Menu

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?

. Osteoblasts
. Neutrophils
. Macrophages
. Lymphocytes
. Fibroblasts

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?

. Excessive polyethylene oxidation
. Edge loading due to component malposition (e.g., extreme cup anteversion or inclination)
. Trunnionosis at the head-neck junction
. Galvanic corrosion between the titanium stem and cobalt-chrome head
. Fatigue failure of the cement mantle

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?

. Decreased oxidation resistance
. Increased yield strength
. Decreased fatigue crack propagation resistance
. Increased elastic modulus
. Increased adhesive wear rate

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?

. Gluteus maximus tendon
. Piriformis, obturator internus, and posterior capsule
. Quadratus femoris and adductor magnus
. Tensor fasciae latae and iliotibial band
. Gluteus medius and minimus

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?

. High rate of volumetric wear
. Osteolysis secondary to large particle generation
. Squeaking during hip range of motion
. Galvanic corrosion at the trunnion
. Trunnionosis due to titanium mismatch

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?

. Anterior cruciate ligament
. Posterior cruciate ligament
. Medial collateral ligament
. Lateral collateral ligament
. Popliteus tendon

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?

. 5 micrometers
. 20 micrometers
. 150 micrometers
. 500 micrometers
. 1 millimeter

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?

. Fibronectin-binding protein
. Coagulase
. Protein A
. Alpha-toxin
. Panton-Valentine leukocidin

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?
. Sciatic nerve
. Superior gluteal artery
. Profunda femoris artery
. Femoral artery and nerve
. External iliac artery and vein
. Length
. Moment arm
. Total volume
. Physiologic cross-sectional area
. Distribution of slow and fast twitch fibers
. decreasing initiation of action potentials.
. increasing action potential amplitude.
. blocking the opening of gated sodium channels.
. decreasing the number of functional motor units.
. slowing or stopping action potential propagation through the axon.
. resection of the metatarsal heads of the first through fifth toes.
. Silastic MP joint arthroplasties of the first through fifth toes.
. fusion of the hallux MP joint and resection arthroplasty of the 2nd through fifth metatarsal heads.
. fusion of hallux MP joint and distal osteotomy of the 2nd through 5th MT.
. plantar condylectomy of the 2nd through 5th MT heads & resection of proximal phx of the hallux.
. hemiarthroplasty
. open reduction and internal fixation
. closed reduction and percutaneous pinning
. a sling and early pedulum exercises
. a sling and swathe for 6 weeks, followed by shoulder rehabilitation
. open acromioplasty
. open Bankart repair
. open subscapularis tendon repair
. inferior capsular shift
. a supervised physical therapy program
. a sling and swathe, with pendulum exercises in 10 days
. open reduction and internal fixation through an anterior approach
!. open reduction and internal fixation through a posterior approach
". immobilization with a splint in 45 degrees of abduction for 6 weeks
#. arthroscopically assisted reduction and percutaneous screw fixation
$. Repair of the rotator cuff
%. Replacement of the humeral head
&. Resection arthroplasty
'. Total shoulder arthroplasty
(. AP and lateral radiographs of the elbow
). Diagnositc arthroscopy
*. Aspiration of joint fluid
+. An erythrocyte sedimentation rate and CBC
,. A diagnostic lidocaine injection
-. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1)
.. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF-1)
/. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)
0. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-B)
1. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP)
2. clinical history and radiographic findings.
3. technetium bone scan
4. flow cytometry pattern of extracted chondrocytes
5. immunohistochemical staining patterns of a biopsy specimen
6. histologic features of a biopsy specimen stained with hematoxylin-cosin
7. Radial
8. Radial recurrent
9. Posterior interosseous
:. Superior ulnar recurrent
;. Superficial radial circumflex
<. Impaired hydroxylation of proline
=. Failure of cleavage in procollagen
>. Defective binding sites for hydroxyproline
?. Failure to incorporate glycine into the helix
@. Diminished production of collagen through the rough endoplasmic reticulum
A. Asking the legal staff to seek a court injunction
B. Copying the patient’s chart and giving it to him as he leaves
C. Having the patient sign a written legal contract that specifies acceptable behavior
D. Continuing care of the patient until an appropriate referral can be arranged
E. Transferring the patient to another orthopaedic surgeon without disclosing the realreason for why the patient is being transferred
F. Meta-analysis
G. Confidence interval
H. Analysis of variance (ANOVA)
I. Statistical significance (p-value)
J. Survivorship analysis (Kaplan-Meier)
K. Spinal shock
L. Neurogenic shock
M. Hypovolemic shock
N. Pulmonary embolism
O. Fat embolus syndrome
P. Lumbar spinal stenosis
Q. Metastatic disease of the spine
R. Rheumatoid lumbar spondylitis
S. Isthmic spondyloloisthesis
T. Degenerative spondylolisthesis at L4-5 and L5-S1
U. Patella alta
V. A metal-backed patella
W. Varus malalignment of the knee
X. A posterior cruciate-substituting femoral component
Y. Lateral subluxation of the patella on a Merchant’s view
Z. The sesamoids are separated
[. The sesamoid is fractured
\. The proximal phx is on the neck of the metatarsal
]. The dislocation is dorsal and centered
^. The proximal phalanx is hyperextended
_. Patella
`. Tibial stem
A. Distal femoral interface
B. Posterior femoral interface
C. Sites of screw fixation for the tibia
D. Hallux rigidus
E. Fracture of the sesamoid
F. Disruption of the plantar plate
G. Osteonecrosis of the metatarsal head
H. Rupture of the flexor hallucis longus
I. Gout
J. Sepsis
K. Old trauma
L. Rheumatoid arthritis
M. Charcot arthroplasty
N. Aspiration and steroid injection
O. Biopsy, curettage, and allograft bone grafting
P. Percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation
Q. Percutaneous injection of autogenous bone marrow
R. Nerve roots
S. Spinal cord
T. Sciatic nerve
U. Peroneal nerve
V. Conus medullaris
W. Extent of bone penetrated by reaming, prosthetic components, or acrylic cement
X. Periprosthetic regions that are accessible to joint fluid and particulate wear debris
Y. Enveloping pseudocapsular scar tissue that develops around a prosthetic hip following surgical capsulectomy
Z. Soft tissue and bone that are potentially contaminated with bacteria in the setting of a prosthetic joint infection
{. Potential intrapelvic joint space communication created by acetabular fixation screws or intrapelvic extruded acrylic cement
|. Early and late infection
}. Periprosthetic fracture of the femur
~. Failure of the patellofemoral and extensor mechanisms
. Aseptic loosening of cementing tibial components
€. Asceptic loosening of cemented femoral components
. Acceptance of the current position of the ankle
‚. Open reduction and fixation in the epiphysis only
ƒ. ORIF with a small-fragment T-plate from the malleolus up to the metaphysis
„. Closed reduction by eversion of the ankle and application of a bivalved long leg cast
…. CRUGA and fixation with a malleolar screw from the malleolus into the metaphysis
†. Resection arthroplasty and local radiation
‡. In situ fusion of the hip
ˆ. Excision of heterotopic bone, total hip arthroplasty, and oral indomethacin
‰. Excision of heterotopic bone and local radiation
Š. Excision of heterotopic bone, hemiarthroplasty, and oral indomethacin
‹. Closed reduction of both fractures and immediate spica casting
Œ. Bilateral skin traction for 3 weeks, followed by spica casting
. External fixation of both femora
Ž. External fixation of the left femur and a long leg cast brace for the right femur
. External fixation of the left femur and use of a reamed intramedullary nail in the right femur
. Synovial sarcoma
‘. Soft-tissue abcess
’. Rhabdomyosarcoma
“. Eosinophilic granuloma
”. Nodular pigmented villonodular synovitis
•. Changing to a titanium nail
–. Changing to a nonslotted nail
—. Changing the cross-sectional shape of the nail
˜. Increasing the diameter of the nail by 3 mm
™. Increasing the diameter of the interlocking screws
š. Fracture healing
›. Chondrosarcoma
œ. Periosteal chondroma
. Periosteal osteosarcoma
ž. Dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica
Ÿ. Demonstrate competence in the subject of the case
 . Be fellowship trained in the subject of the case
¡. Be paid on a contingency basis
¢. Be board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
£. Have been involved in the case as a consultant
¤. Diagnostic arthroscopy
¥. Arthroscopy and subacromial decompression
¦. Reduction and fixation of the proximal humeral epiphysis
§. Temporary cessation of throwing
¨. Physical therapy for rotator cuff strengthening
©. Oblique popliteal ligament
ª. Lateral capsule
«. Popliteal tendon
¬. Fibular collateral ligament
­. Posterior oblique ligament
®. Radial tear
¯. Parrot-beak tear
°. Vertical tear in the “red-red” zone
±. Vertical tear in the “red-white” zone
². Vertical tear in the “white-white” zone
³. 0 degrees of abduction, with neural rotation
´. 40 degrees of flexion and 60 degrees of internal rotation
Μ. 45 degrees of flexion and 45 degrees of external rotation
¶. 90 degrees of abduction with neutral rotation
·. 90 degrees of abduction and 90 degrees of external rotation
¸. Sural
¹. Saphenous and its branches
º. Posterior tibial and its branches
». Deep peroneal and its branches
¼. Superficial peroneal and its branches
½. Strength
¾. Stiffness
¿. Shelf life
À. Antigenicity
Á. Risk of HIV transmission
Â. Indemnification
Ã. Occurrence
Ä. Excess liability
Å. Claims-made
Æ. Nose
Ç. Lateral Y
È. Scapular AP
É. Neutral rotation AP
Ê. Internal rotation AP
Ë. External rotation AP
Ì. Trauma
Í. Hemophilia
Î. Reiter’s syndrome
Ï. Rheumatoid arthritis
Ð. Systemic lupus erythematosus
Ñ. Cast immobilization for 6 weeks
Ò. Activity modification and re-evaluation in 2 months
Ó. Internal fixation with or without bone grafting
Ô. Retrograde drilling of the defect without articular cartilage penetration
Õ. Drilling of the defect directly through the articular cartilage
Ö. repair or reconstruction of the medial collateral ligament
×. repair or reconstruction of the medialand lateral collateral ligaments
Ø. immobilization for 5 days or less
Ù. immobilization for 14 days
Ú. immobilization for 25 days
Û. Cystinosis
Ü. Hypophosphatemia
Ý. Renal osteodystrophy
Þ. Primary hyperparathyroidism
SS. Nutritional vitamin D deficiency
À. Lateral meniscus tear
Á. Popliteus tenosynovitis
Â. Iliotibial band friction syndrome
Ã. Peroneal nerve entrapment
Ä. Biceps tendinitis
Å. Observation
Æ. Removal of the prosthetic components
Ç. Operative exploration and decompression of the peroneal nerve
È. Nerve conduction velocity studies
É. Loosening of the primary dressings and knee flexion to 30 degrees
Ê. I
Ë. II
Ì. III
Í. decreased tissue tension
Î. decreased abductor lever arm
Ï. decreased joint reaction force
Ð. increased body weight over lever arm
Ñ. increased polyethylene wear rate
Ò. recurrent traumatic anterior dislocation
Ó. recurrent traumatic posterior dislocation
Ô. traumatic subluxation with no previous dislocation
Õ. traumatic anterior subluxation
Ö. atraumatic involuntary subluxation
÷. radial
Ø. axillary
Ù. suprascapular
Ú. thoracodorsal
Û. long thoracic
Ü. Flexion
Ý. Extension
Þ. Axial rotation
Ÿ. Left lateral bending
Ā. Right lateral bending
Ā. Skin
Ă. Lung
Ă. Brain
Ą. Heart
Ą. Kidney
Ć. Thoracoacromial, lateral thoracic, subscapular
Ć. Thoracoacromial, anterior humeral circumflex, posterior humeral circumflex
Ĉ. Posterior humeral circumflex, subscapular, thoracacromial
Ĉ. Subscapular, thoracacromial, anterior humeral circumflex
Ċ. Lateral thoracic, anterior humeral circumflex, thoracacromial
Ċ. Respondeat superior
Č. Indemnity agreement
Č. Hold harmless agreement- attempt to shift liability from company to physician
Ď. Comparative negligence-% of involvement
Ď. Contributory negligence- resident contributed to the negligence
Đ. t-type
Đ. both column
Ē. transverse
Ē. anterior column
Ĕ. anterior column posterior hemitransverse
Ĕ. Posterior interosseous
Ė. Anterior interosseous
Ė. Radial
Ę. Median
Ę. Ulnar
Ě. Shock from hypovolemia
Ě. Associated rupture of the bladder
Ĝ. Arterial bleeding on pelvic angiogram
Ĝ. Presence of a hematoma in the perineum and scrotum
Ğ. Fractures of both the anterior and posterior pelvic ring

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

. decreased tissue tension
. decreased abductor lever arm
. decreased joint reaction force
. increased body weight over lever arm
. increased polyethylene wear rate
. recurrent traumatic anterior dislocation
. recurrent traumatic posterior dislocation
. traumatic subluxation with no previous dislocation
. traumatic anterior subluxation
. atraumatic involuntary subluxation
. radial
. axillary
. suprascapular
. thoracodorsal
. long thoracic
. Flexion
. Extension
. Axial rotation
. Left lateral bending
. Right lateral bending
. Skin
. Lung
. Brain
. Heart
. Kidney
. Thoracoacromial, lateral thoracic, subscapular
. Thoracoacromial, anterior humeral circumflex, posterior humeral circumflex
. Posterior humeral circumflex, subscapular, thoracacromial
. Subscapular, thoracacromial, anterior humeral circumflex
. Lateral thoracic, anterior humeral circumflex, thoracacromial
. Respondeat superior
. Indemnity agreement
!. Hold harmless agreement- attempt to shift liability from company to physician
". Comparative negligence-% of involvement
#. Contributory negligence- resident contributed to the negligence
$. t-type
%. both column
&. transverse
'. anterior column
(. anterior column posterior hemitransverse
). Posterior interosseous
*. Anterior interosseous
+. Radial
,. Median
-. Ulnar
.. Shock from hypovolemia
/. Associated rupture of the bladder
0. Arterial bleeding on pelvic angiogram
1. Presence of a hematoma in the perineum and scrotum
2. Fractures of both the anterior and posterior pelvic ring

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?

. Aseptic loosening
. Prosthetic joint infection
. Adverse local tissue reaction (ALTR) secondary to trunnionosis
. Polyethylene wear debris disease
. Psoas impingement

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?

. Accelerated osteolysis from volumetric wear
. Squeaking during normal gait
. Release of cobalt and chromium ions leading to pseudotumors
. Cold flow (creep) of the bearing surface
. Galvanic corrosion at the modular junction

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?

. Ethylene oxide sterilization
. Gamma irradiation in air
. Melting or annealing the polyethylene
. Addition of barium sulfate
. Increasing the molecular weight

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?

. One-stage exchange arthroplasty
. Two-stage exchange arthroplasty
. Polyethylene exchange and synovectomy
. Suppressive oral antibiotics
. Intravenous antibiotics for 6 weeks followed by observation

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?

. Increased ultimate tensile strength
. Decreased fracture toughness
. Increased resistance to oxidation without annealing
. Decreased elastic modulus
. Increased elongation at break

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?

. C-reactive protein
. Interleukin-6
. Leukocyte esterase
. Alpha-defensin
. Calprotectin

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?

. Release the posterior capsule
. Recut the distal femur to remove more bone
. Decrease the size of the femoral component
. Thicken the polyethylene insert
. Release the deep medial collateral ligament

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?

. Adhesive wear
. Abrasive wear
. Third-body wear
. Fatigue wear
. Corrosive 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?

. Use of a larger femoral head diameter (e.g., 36 mm)
. Acetabular cup placement in relative retroversion and excessive inclination (edge loading)
. Short femoral neck offset
. Failure to use a highly cross-linked polyethylene liner
. Patient BMI less than 25

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?

. Aseptic loosening of the tibial baseplate
. Impingement of a fibrotic nodule in the suprapatellar pouch against the intercondylar notch of a posterior-stabilized femoral component
. Polyethylene wear and subsequent massive osteolysis
. Global instability secondary to flexion-extension gap mismatch
. Oversizing of the femoral component leading to patellofemoral overstuffing

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.