1. General Principles & Basic Science MCQs

When performing a direct lateral (Hardinge) approach to the hip, the anterior portion of the gluteus medius and minimus is split. To minimize the risk of denervating the remaining anterior portion of the gluteus medius, the proximal split should not extend beyond what distance from the tip of the greater trochanter?

The adductor canal (Hunter's canal) serves as a passageway for structures moving from the anterior thigh to the popliteal fossa. Which nerve exits the canal by directly piercing its roof (the vastoadductor membrane)?

The posterior aspect of the shoulder contains several defined anatomic spaces through which neurovascular structures pass. Which structure passes through the triangular space?

During a medial surgical approach to the midfoot, a dense fibrous connection is encountered on the plantar aspect beneath the navicular, known as the 'Master Knot of Henry'. Which two tendons cross at this specific anatomic landmark?

When planning a lateral plate osteosynthesis for a distal third humerus fracture, the surgeon must identify the radial nerve as it transitions compartments. At what average distance proximal to the lateral epicondyle does the radial nerve pierce the lateral intermuscular septum to enter the anterior compartment of the arm?

A trauma surgeon is using the Stoppa approach for an acetabular fracture. To avoid catastrophic bleeding, the 'corona mortis' must be identified and ligated. This vascular anastomosis crosses the superior pubic ramus at what average distance laterally from the symphysis pubis?

A 28-year-old overhead athlete presents with posterior shoulder pain and deltoid weakness. MRI reveals a paralabral cyst compressing a nerve within the quadrangular space. Which vascular structure runs alongside the affected nerve in this space?

The plantar calcaneonavicular ligament (spring ligament) is a crucial static stabilizer of the medial longitudinal arch. Which of the following structures is considered its primary medial dynamic augment?

During a posterior triceps-splitting approach to the humerus, the radial nerve is identified. In relation to the posterior humerus, at what approximate distance from the lateral epicondyle does the radial nerve typically cross the posterior midshaft?

In the adult hip, the predominant blood supply to the superior weight-bearing dome of the femoral head is derived from which of the following vessels?

A 45-year-old patient presents with a displaced acetabular fracture requiring surgical fixation via an ilioinguinal approach. During the dissection, severe hemorrhage is encountered posterior to the superior pubic ramus. Which of the following anatomic variants is the most likely source of the bleeding?

A patient is scheduled for an extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF) at L4-L5. The trans-psoas approach places specific nerves of the lumbar plexus at risk. Which nerve lies most anteriorly on the surface of the psoas major muscle and is highly vulnerable during initial psoas dilation?

A patient presents with inability to make an "OK" sign with their thumb and index finger following a penetrating forearm injury. Which of the following muscles are denervated in this patient's specific nerve palsy?

A 30-year-old patient with intractable piriformis syndrome is undergoing surgical release. The surgeon considers the anatomic variations of the sciatic nerve in relation to the piriformis muscle. What is the most common anatomical variation (Beaton and Anson Type B) of the sciatic nerve?

During a volar approach to the forearm (Henry approach) for a middle-third radius fracture, the surgeon develops the internervous plane. Between which two muscles is the proximal interval of the Henry approach classically developed?

When performing a posterior approach to the humerus for internal fixation, the radial nerve must be identified and protected. At approximately what distance proximal to the lateral epicondyle does the radial nerve cross the lateral intermuscular septum from posterior to anterior?

An orthopedic surgeon utilizes the anterior (Smith-Petersen) approach for a core decompression of the hip. This approach utilizes a true internervous plane. Which two nerves supply the muscles that form the superficial boundary of this plane?

During a volar approach to the proximal radius (Henry approach), the surgeon dissects between the brachioradialis and the pronator teres. Which of the following describes the innervation of these two muscles respectively?

A surgeon is exposing the medial tibia to harvest hamstring tendons for ACL reconstruction. From anterior to posterior, what is the correct anatomic order of the pes anserinus tendon insertions?