2. Trauma MCQs

A 25-year-old male undergoes a four-compartment fasciotomy of the leg for acute compartment syndrome following a high-energy tibial plateau fracture. During the procedure, the deep posterior compartment is carefully released. Which of the following muscles is NOT located within the deep posterior compartment of the leg?

A surgeon is performing a posterolateral approach to the tibial plateau for a complex bicondylar fracture. To safely expose the posterior aspect of the lateral tibial plateau, the popliteus muscle must be carefully mobilized. Which of the following structures is most at risk of iatrogenic injury during the deep dissection when elevating the popliteus muscle off the posterior tibia?

An orthopedic trauma surgeon is preparing to plate a displaced midshaft clavicle fracture. To avoid catastrophic injury to the neurovascular bundle during drilling, the surgeon must be aware of the local anatomy. Which muscular structure serves as the primary anatomical landmark separating the subclavian vein anteriorly from the subclavian artery posteriorly?

A 22-year-old collegiate runner develops acute anterior leg pain and numbness in the first dorsal web space after a marathon, consistent with acute compartment syndrome. A decompressive fasciotomy is performed. To fully release the anterior compartment, the surgeon must ensure all structures within it are decompressed. Which of the following muscles is NOT located in the anterior compartment of the leg?

A 22-year-old male sustains a proximal pole fracture of the scaphoid. He is educated regarding his high risk of avascular necrosis and nonunion. This risk is primarily due to the precarious retrograde blood supply of the scaphoid. The primary blood supply to the proximal pole of the scaphoid enters at which location and originates from which artery?

An orthopedic trauma surgeon is stabilizing an anteroposterior compression type III (APC-III) pelvic ring injury. Complete disruption of the posterior sacroiliac complex is noted. Which specific ligamentous structure in this complex is primarily responsible for resisting vertical shear/translation of the hemipelvis?

A 26-year-old marathon runner undergoes a four-compartment fasciotomy for acute exertional compartment syndrome of the lower leg. During the release of the deep posterior compartment, the surgeon must carefully protect the neurovascular bundle that travels intimately with these deep muscles. Which structures make up this specific neurovascular bundle?

A 45-year-old patient undergoes an open reduction and internal fixation of a midshaft clavicle fracture. Postoperatively, the patient notes numbness over the anterolateral shoulder and anterior chest wall. Which of the following nerves was most likely injured during the procedure?

During a posterior approach to the proximal humerus for a nonunion, you are identifying the axillary nerve in the quadrilateral space. Which of the following defines the superior border of this space when viewed posteriorly?

During an anterolateral approach to the distal tibia for plating a pilon fracture, the surgeon must protect the superficial peroneal nerve. At what average distance proximal to the tip of the lateral malleolus does this nerve typically pierce the deep fascia to become superficial?

A 30-year-old man sustains a closed tibial shaft fracture and develops compartment syndrome. During a four-compartment fasciotomy, the deep posterior compartment must be released. Which of the following muscles is NOT located in the deep posterior compartment of the leg?

The anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL) is frequently injured in rotational ankle sprains. What is the eponym for the bony avulsion of the AITFL from its fibular attachment?

A patient is scheduled for open reduction and internal fixation of a displaced intra-articular calcaneus fracture using an extensile lateral approach. The viability of the full-thickness soft tissue flap relies predominantly on which of the following vessels?

A dorsal approach to the wrist is performed for a scaphoid nonunion. The surgeon makes an incision and enters the interval between the 3rd and 4th extensor compartments. Which tendon exclusively occupies the 3rd extensor compartment?

Blood supply to the adult femoral head is predominantly derived from the medial femoral circumflex artery (MFCA). Which specific branch of the MFCA provides the vast majority of this perfusion?

A 25-year-old runner complains of chronic exertional anterior compartment syndrome. During surgical release, the surgeon must protect the deep peroneal nerve, which runs closely with which artery?

During a posterolateral approach to the tibial plateau, the surgeon must identify the common peroneal nerve. Immediately distal to the fibular head, which muscle does the common peroneal nerve dive beneath?

During a surgical dislocation of the hip to treat a femoral head fracture, the surgeon performs a trochanteric flip osteotomy. To preserve the primary blood supply to the femoral head, the osteotomy must remain superficial to the external rotator muscles to protect branches of which artery?

A 30-year-old cyclist sustains a direct blow to his superior shoulder during a fall. Radiographs demonstrate a type III acromioclavicular (AC) joint separation. While deciding between surgical and non-operative management, which of the following is considered an absolute indication for acute surgical intervention?

A 30-year-old cyclist falls directly onto his shoulder. Clinical examination reveals significant superior displacement of the clavicle with a prominent step-off. Radiographs show superior displacement of the clavicle by 150% compared to the contralateral side.

According to the Rockwood classification, what specific anatomical disruption distinguishes this injury from a Type III AC joint separation?