This practice set contains high-yield board review questions covering key concepts in 3. Adult Reconstruction (Hip & Knee). Each clinical scenario is designed to test your diagnostic and management skills relevant to this subspecialty.
Question 4661
Topic: 3. Adult Reconstruction (Hip & Knee)
In the mechanism of aseptic loosening following total joint arthroplasty, the biologic cascade triggered by polyethylene wear debris is primarily initiated by which of the following cell types phagocytosing the particles?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Macrophages
Explanation
Aseptic loosening secondary to osteolysis is driven by particulate wear debris (commonly polyethylene). The debris is phagocytosed by macrophages, which then release pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-alpha). These cytokines stimulate osteoclastogenesis via the RANK/RANKL pathway, leading to bone resorption.
Question 4662
Topic: 3. Adult Reconstruction (Hip & Knee)
A 55-year-old patient who underwent total hip arthroplasty with a ceramic-on-ceramic bearing surface two years ago now complains of a loud, audible squeaking sound from the hip during normal walking. Which of the following biomechanical factors is most strongly associated with the initiation of this phenomenon?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Edge loading due to component malposition (e.g., extreme cup anteversion or inclination)
Explanation
Squeaking is a specific complication of ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) bearings. It is most commonly associated with edge loading, which occurs when the femoral head contacts the rim of the acetabular liner due to component malposition (such as excessive inclination or extreme anteversion/retroversion), leading to loss of fluid film lubrication and stripe wear.
Question 4663
Topic: 3. Adult Reconstruction (Hip & Knee)
Highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) was introduced in total hip arthroplasty to reduce osteolysis secondary to wear debris. Which of the following is a known adverse biomechanical consequence of increasing the radiation dose to maximize polyethylene cross-linking?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Decreased fatigue crack propagation resistance
Explanation
While high-dose irradiation of polyethylene effectively increases cross-linking and significantly decreases adhesive and abrasive wear, it negatively alters other mechanical properties. Specifically, it decreases ultimate tensile strength, ductility, and fatigue crack propagation resistance, making the liner more susceptible to fracture or rim failure under high stress.
Question 4664
Topic: Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA)
During a posterior approach to the hip for total hip arthroplasty, the preservation or meticulous repair of which of the following structures has been shown in the literature to be most critical in minimizing the risk of postoperative posterior dislocation?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Piriformis, obturator internus, and posterior capsule
Explanation
Enhanced posterior soft tissue repair, which specifically involves the reattachment of the short external rotators (piriformis, obturator internus, and gemelli) along with the posterior capsule to the greater trochanter, has been consistently demonstrated to dramatically reduce the rate of posterior dislocation following a posterior approach THA.
Question 4665
Topic: 3. Adult Reconstruction (Hip & Knee)
A 50-year-old active male undergoes a total hip arthroplasty using a ceramic-on-ceramic bearing. Which of the following is the most notable disadvantage or complication specific to this bearing surface?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Squeaking during hip range of motion
Explanation
Ceramic-on-ceramic bearings offer the lowest wear rates but are associated with squeaking (audible noise) in 1-20% of patients. They are also at risk for catastrophic brittle fracture, though this is rare with newer generations.
Question 4666
Topic: 3. Adult Reconstruction (Hip & Knee)
During a posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty (PS-TKA), the cam-post mechanism is designed to substitute for which resected structure?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Posterior cruciate ligament
Explanation
In a PS-TKA, the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is sacrificed. The tibial post and femoral cam engage during flexion to substitute for the PCL, facilitating normal femoral rollback.
Question 4667
Topic: 3. Adult Reconstruction (Hip & Knee)
When utilizing an uncemented total hip arthroplasty, the surgeon aims to achieve initial mechanical stability to promote osseointegration. What is the commonly accepted maximum threshold of micromotion at the bone-implant interface beyond which fibrous tissue formation predictably occurs instead of bone ingrowth?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. 150 micrometers
Explanation
Micromotion exceeding 150 micrometers at the bone-implant interface typically inhibits bone ingrowth, leading to fibrous tissue formation and aseptic loosening. Optimal osseointegration requires strict initial stability with micromotion ideally kept under 50 micrometers.
Question 4668
Topic: 3. Adult Reconstruction (Hip & Knee)
Staphylococcus aureus is a predominant pathogen in periprosthetic joint infections. Which bacterial surface protein plays a critical role in evading the host immune system by binding to the Fc portion of IgG?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Protein A
Explanation
Protein A is a major surface protein of Staphylococcus aureus that specifically binds the Fc region of host IgG antibodies. This orientation prevents proper opsonization and heavily impairs subsequent phagocytosis by macrophages and neutrophils.
Question 4669
Topic: 3. Adult Reconstruction (Hip & Knee)
Which of the following neurovascular structures is at greatest risk during the introduction of acetabular component fixation screws during total hip replacement?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Sciatic nerve
Explanation
Question 4670
Topic: 3. Adult Reconstruction (Hip & Knee)
In total hip arthroplasty, increasing the perpendicular distance from the
center
line of the femur to the center of rotation of the femoral head (femoral offset) results in
Correct Answer & Explanation
. decreased tissue tension
Explanation
Question 4671
Topic: 3. Adult Reconstruction (Hip & Knee)
A 65-year-old male presents with groin pain 5 years after undergoing an uncomplicated primary total hip arthroplasty utilizing a large diameter CoCr head on a titanium stem. Radiographs show a well-fixed stem and cup with no osteolysis. Laboratory tests show elevated serum cobalt levels, normal ESR, and normal CRP. Joint aspiration yields opaque fluid with negative cultures. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Adverse local tissue reaction (ALTR) secondary to trunnionosis
Explanation
Trunnionosis refers to mechanically assisted crevice corrosion at the head-neck junction. It is more common with large diameter CoCr heads on titanium stems. It presents with elevated serum cobalt (disproportionately higher than chromium), adverse local tissue reaction (pseudotumors), and pain without signs of clinical infection.
Question 4672
Topic: 3. Adult Reconstruction (Hip & Knee)
Which of the following is a recognized unique complication specific to ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasty bearing surfaces compared to other bearing options?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Squeaking during normal gait
Explanation
Squeaking is a unique, well-documented complication of ceramic-on-ceramic THA, occurring in up to 10-24% of cases. Ceramic bearings offer excellent resistance to volumetric wear and do not undergo creep or release allergenic metal ions, but they can be noisy and carry a small risk of catastrophic fracture.
Question 4673
Topic: 3. Adult Reconstruction (Hip & Knee)
In modern total hip arthroplasty, highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) is commonly used to reduce wear rates. Which of the following manufacturing processes is utilized to eliminate free radicals generated during the cross-linking process and prevent subsequent in vivo oxidation?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Melting or annealing the polyethylene
Explanation
Gamma irradiation induces cross-linking, which improves wear resistance but generates free radicals that can lead to oxidation and embrittlement. To eliminate these free radicals, the polyethylene is either melted or annealed post-irradiation. Vitamin E can also be added as an antioxidant to quench free radicals without thermal treatment.
Question 4674
Topic: 3. Adult Reconstruction (Hip & Knee)
A 68-year-old female presents with a painful total knee arthroplasty 2 years postoperatively. Aspiration reveals a synovial fluid WBC count of 35,000 cells/mcL with 92% PMNs. Components are well-fixed on radiographs. Which of the following is the most appropriate definitive management?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Two-stage exchange arthroplasty
Explanation
Chronic periprosthetic joint infections (occurring >4 weeks post-op) are classically treated with a two-stage exchange arthroplasty. Irrigation and debridement with poly exchange is reserved for acute infections (symptoms <3 weeks or <4 weeks post-op).
Question 4675
Topic: 3. Adult Reconstruction (Hip & Knee)
In total hip arthroplasty, the use of highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) has significantly reduced wear rates. Which of the following mechanical trade-offs is a direct consequence of increasing the radiation dose to maximize cross-linking?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Decreased fracture toughness
Explanation
While irradiation creates cross-links that dramatically reduce adhesive wear, it also degrades the mechanical properties of the polyethylene. Specifically, it reduces fracture toughness, ultimate tensile strength, and fatigue resistance.
Question 4676
Topic: 3. Adult Reconstruction (Hip & Knee)
A 68-year-old male presents with a painful total knee arthroplasty 3 years post-operatively. Which biomarker, measured in synovial fluid, directly binds to and neutralizes microbial cell membranes and is highly specific for periprosthetic joint infection?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Alpha-defensin
Explanation
Alpha-defensin is an antimicrobial peptide released by neutrophils that integrates into and destroys microbial cell membranes. It is highly sensitive and specific for diagnosing periprosthetic joint infection.
Question 4677
Topic: 3. Adult Reconstruction (Hip & Knee)
During a primary posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty, the surgeon uses spacer blocks and notes that the knee is tight in flexion but balanced and stable in extension. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step to balance the knee?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Decrease the size of the femoral component
Explanation
A knee that is tight in flexion but balanced in extension has an isolated tight flexion gap. Decreasing the femoral component size (with an anterior referencing guide) will increase the flexion gap without altering the extension gap.
Question 4678
Topic: 3. Adult Reconstruction (Hip & Knee)
The introduction of highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) in total hip arthroplasty has drastically reduced the incidence of osteolysis primarily by decreasing which specific mechanism of wear?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Adhesive wear
Explanation
Adhesive wear produces the millions of submicron particles that cause macrophage-mediated osteolysis. The cross-linking process severely limits the polymer chains from being pulled off the surface, thus drastically reducing adhesive wear.
Question 4679
Topic: 3. Adult Reconstruction (Hip & Knee)
A 55-year-old active male underwent a total hip arthroplasty (THA) utilizing a ceramic-on-ceramic bearing surface. Two years postoperatively, he complains of an audible, high-pitched squeaking sound during hip movement, though he is generally pain-free. Which of the following technical factors is most strongly associated with this phenomenon?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Acetabular cup placement in relative retroversion and excessive inclination (edge loading)
Explanation
Squeaking in ceramic-on-ceramic THA is a well-documented complication strongly associated with edge loading of the bearing surface. Edge loading typically results from a malpositioned acetabular component, such as steep inclination or excessive anteversion/retroversion. Other risk factors include young age, high activity level, and larger BMI.
Question 4680
Topic: 3. Adult Reconstruction (Hip & Knee)
A 68-year-old female presents with catching and a painful 'pop' at the anterior aspect of her knee when extending from a flexed position. This symptom began 14 months after she underwent a primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). What is the most likely underlying etiology of her symptoms?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Impingement of a fibrotic nodule in the suprapatellar pouch against the intercondylar notch of a posterior-stabilized femoral component
Explanation
The patient's presentation is classic for patellar clunk syndrome, a complication most frequently associated with posterior-stabilized (PS) TKA designs. A symptomatic fibrotic nodule forms at the superior pole of the patella and catches within the intercondylar box of the PS femoral component as the knee extends from approximately 30-45 degrees of flexion.
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