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Question 2061

Topic: Shoulder & Hip Sports

A 55-year-old laborer has an irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tear with an intact subscapularis and no glenohumeral arthritis. He has intact forward elevation but profound weakness in external rotation and a positive Hornblower's sign. Which tendon transfer is most appropriate?

. Pectoralis major
. Latissimus dorsi
. Lower trapezius
. Serratus anterior
. Biceps brachii

Correct Answer & Explanation

. Lower trapezius


Explanation

Lower trapezius transfer is highly effective for restoring external rotation in patients with irreparable posterosuperior tears. Its vector closely matches that of the infraspinatus, making it superior to latissimus dorsi for restoring external rotation.

Question 2062

Topic: Shoulder & Hip Sports

A 22-year-old collegiate baseball pitcher complains of posterior shoulder pain during the late cocking phase of throwing. MRI arthrogram reveals a partial articular-sided supraspinatus tendon avulsion (PASTA) and a superior labral tear. Which of the following is the primary underlying pathomechanism?

. Contact between the greater tuberosity and the posterosuperior glenoid
. Subcoracoid impingement of the subscapularis
. Anterior translation causing Bankart lesion
. Tightness of the anterior capsule limiting external rotation
. Impingement of the biceps anchor against the acromion

Correct Answer & Explanation

. Contact between the greater tuberosity and the posterosuperior glenoid


Explanation

Internal impingement occurs when the hyper-externally rotated and abducted arm causes the greater tuberosity to abut the posterosuperior glenoid. This pinches the posterior rotator cuff and superior labrum, causing fraying and tears.

Question 2063

Topic: Shoulder & Hip Sports

A 60-year-old man falls on an outstretched arm and experiences anterior shoulder pain. He has a positive bear-hug test and increased passive external rotation compared to the contralateral side.

What other structure is most commonly injured with this specific tendon tear?

. Long head of the biceps tendon
. Suprascapular nerve
. Axillary nerve
. Inferior glenohumeral ligament
. Coracoacromial ligament

Correct Answer & Explanation

. Long head of the biceps tendon


Explanation

The subscapularis is crucial for stabilizing the long head of the biceps in the bicipital groove. Subscapularis tears are highly associated with biceps subluxation, dislocation, or tearing.

Question 2064

Topic: Shoulder & Hip Sports

A 55-year-old man sustains an anterior shoulder dislocation. Post-reduction radiographs show a reduced joint but a displaced greater tuberosity fracture that is migrated 8 mm superiorly. What is the most appropriate management?

. Sling immobilization for 4 weeks
. Open reduction and internal fixation of the greater tuberosity
. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty
. Arthroscopic Bankart repair alone
. Hemiarthroplasty

Correct Answer & Explanation

. Open reduction and internal fixation of the greater tuberosity


Explanation

Superior displacement of the greater tuberosity greater than 5 mm leads to severe subacromial impingement and altered rotator cuff biomechanics. Surgical fixation is required to restore normal function.

Question 2065

Topic: Shoulder & Hip Sports

A 55-year-old active male presents with a massive, irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tear. He has an intact subscapularis, a Hamada grade 1 shoulder on radiographs, and good deltoid function. He undergoes a superior capsular reconstruction (SCR). What is the primary biomechanical goal of this procedure?

. To increase the glenohumeral joint volume to allow greater range of motion
. To actively restore external rotation power through tendon transfer
. To prevent superior migration of the humeral head and restore the native glenohumeral kinematics
. To induce a biologic fusion of the acromiohumeral joint
. To reconstruct the coracoacromial arch to provide a static restraint

Correct Answer & Explanation

. To prevent superior migration of the humeral head and restore the native glenohumeral kinematics


Explanation

Superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) acts as a static restraint to prevent superior migration of the humeral head in massive irreparable rotator cuff tears. This helps to center the humeral head within the glenoid, improving the efficiency of the intact deltoid and force couples.

Question 2066

Topic: Shoulder & Hip Sports



A 22-year-old collegiate baseball pitcher complains of posterior shoulder pain during the late cocking phase of throwing. Examination shows a significant glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD). MRI reveals an articular-sided partial tear of the posterior supraspinatus and anterior infraspinatus. What is the primary mechanical mechanism underlying this specific injury?

. Contact of the greater tuberosity with the posterosuperior glenoid labrum
. Impingement of the rotator cuff beneath the coracoacromial arch
. Traction injury to the suprascapular nerve at the spinoglenoid notch
. Anterior translation of the humeral head due to subscapularis failure
. Isolated scapular dyskinesia causing functional shortening of the cuff

Correct Answer & Explanation

. Contact of the greater tuberosity with the posterosuperior glenoid labrum


Explanation

This presentation is classic for internal impingement, which occurs in overhead throwers during the late cocking phase (abduction and maximal external rotation). It involves the abnormal abutment of the greater tuberosity against the posterosuperior glenoid, pinching the articular-sided rotator cuff.

Question 2067

Topic: Shoulder & Hip Sports

A 24-year-old rugby player presents after his fourth anterior shoulder dislocation. A 3D CT scan demonstrates 25% anterior glenoid bone loss and a deep, engaging Hill-Sachs lesion. Which of the following is the most appropriate surgical intervention to minimize the risk of recurrence?

. Arthroscopic Bankart repair alone
. Arthroscopic Bankart repair with remplissage
. Open Latarjet procedure
. Superior capsular reconstruction
. Putti-Platt procedure

Correct Answer & Explanation

. Open Latarjet procedure


Explanation

In the setting of recurrent anterior instability with critical anterior glenoid bone loss (typically >20-25%) and an engaging Hill-Sachs lesion, an isolated soft tissue repair has an unacceptably high failure rate. A bony augmentation procedure, such as the open Latarjet (coracoid transfer), is the gold standard.

Question 2068

Topic: Shoulder & Hip Sports



A 32-year-old professional volleyball player presents with vague, deep posterior shoulder pain and weakness. Clinical examination reveals isolated atrophy of the infraspinatus fossa, while the supraspinatus bulk and strength are completely normal. She has notable weakness in external rotation. An MRI is obtained. At which of the following anatomic locations is a paralabral cyst most likely compressing the involved nerve?

. Suprascapular notch
. Quadrilateral space
. Triangular interval
. Spinoglenoid notch
. Coracoid base

Correct Answer & Explanation

. Spinoglenoid notch


Explanation

Isolated atrophy and weakness of the infraspinatus indicate compression of the suprascapular nerve distal to the innervation of the supraspinatus. This occurs at the spinoglenoid notch, often due to a paralabral cyst associated with a posterior SLAP tear.

Question 2069

Topic: Shoulder & Hip Sports

A 22-year-old professional rugby player presents with recurrent anterior shoulder instability. A 3D CT scan reveals 25% anterior glenoid bone loss. A Latarjet procedure is planned. During the approach, which muscle must be longitudinally split to access the glenohumeral joint?

. Pectoralis major
. Coracobrachialis
. Short head of the biceps
. Subscapularis
. Teres major

Correct Answer & Explanation

. Subscapularis


Explanation

The Latarjet procedure involves transferring the coracoid process with the attached conjoined tendon to the anterior glenoid. This requires a longitudinal split of the subscapularis muscle (typically in its lower third) to expose the anterior glenohumeral joint and fix the graft.

Question 2070

Topic: Shoulder & Hip Sports

A 28-year-old volleyball player presents with insidious onset of posterior shoulder pain and weakness in external rotation. Examination shows isolated atrophy of the infraspinatus fossa. The supraspinatus has normal bulk and strength. MRI is most likely to reveal a paralabral cyst in which of the following locations?

. Quadrilateral space
. Suprascapular notch
. Spinoglenoid notch
. Spiral groove
. Rotator interval

Correct Answer & Explanation

. Spinoglenoid notch


Explanation

A cyst at the spinoglenoid notch compresses the distal suprascapular nerve after it has already innervated the supraspinatus, leading to isolated infraspinatus atrophy and external rotation weakness. Compression at the suprascapular notch would affect both the supraspinatus and infraspinatus.

Question 2071

Topic: Shoulder & Hip Sports

A 55-year-old laborer has a massive, irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tear. He maintains active forward elevation to 130 degrees but has severe external rotation lag. A latissimus dorsi tendon transfer is planned.

Which of the following is a primary contraindication to performing an isolated latissimus dorsi transfer in this patient?

. Age greater than 50 years
. Intact teres minor
. Deficient subscapularis tendon
. Mild acromioclavicular arthritis
. Intact coracoacromial ligament

Correct Answer & Explanation

. Deficient subscapularis tendon


Explanation

A latissimus dorsi transfer requires an intact and functional subscapularis tendon to provide an anterior force couple. If the subscapularis is torn and irreparable, the transferred latissimus will worsen anterior-superior escape, leading to failure.

Question 2072

Topic: Shoulder & Hip Sports

A 22-year-old collegiate rugby player presents with recurrent anterior shoulder instability. A 3D CT scan reveals 25% anterior glenoid bone loss and an engaging Hill-Sachs lesion.

What is the most appropriate definitive management to minimize the risk of recurrent dislocation?

. Arthroscopic Bankart repair
. Arthroscopic remplissage alone
. Latarjet procedure
. Open Bankart repair with capsular shift
. Arthroscopic labral repair with biceps tenodesis

Correct Answer & Explanation

. Latarjet procedure


Explanation

Anterior glenoid bone loss exceeding 20-25% in a collision athlete is associated with unacceptably high failure rates following soft-tissue stabilization alone. The Latarjet procedure (coracoid transfer) provides both a bony block and a soft-tissue sling to reliably restore stability.

Question 2073

Topic: Shoulder & Hip Sports

A 45-year-old manual laborer presents with persistent anterior shoulder pain. He has a positive O'Brien test, and an MRI arthrogram reveals an isolated type II SLAP tear. After 6 months of failed nonoperative management, what is the most reliable surgical treatment?

. Arthroscopic SLAP repair
. Biceps tenodesis
. Arthroscopic debridement of the labrum only
. Subacromial decompression
. Coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction

Correct Answer & Explanation

. Biceps tenodesis


Explanation

In middle-aged patients and manual laborers, biceps tenodesis provides more reliable pain relief and quicker return to work compared to SLAP repair. SLAP repairs in this demographic frequently lead to persistent pain and postoperative stiffness.

Question 2074

Topic: Shoulder & Hip Sports

A 28-year-old elite volleyball player complains of vague posterior shoulder pain and isolated weakness with external rotation. Forward elevation and internal rotation strength are completely normal. An MRI demonstrates a paralabral cyst.

Where is the most likely anatomic location of the nerve compression?

. Suprascapular notch
. Spinoglenoid notch
. Quadrilateral space
. Triangular interval
. Spiral groove

Correct Answer & Explanation

. Spinoglenoid notch


Explanation

Isolated external rotation weakness (infraspinatus) without supraspinatus involvement indicates suprascapular nerve compression at the spinoglenoid notch. Compression more proximally at the suprascapular notch would affect both the supraspinatus and infraspinatus.

Question 2075

Topic: Shoulder & Hip Sports

A 60-year-old man falls on an outstretched arm, experiencing a popping sensation in his shoulder followed by isolated weakness with internal rotation. Which of the following physical examination tests is considered the most sensitive for diagnosing a partial tear involving the upper border of the subscapularis tendon?

. Neer impingement sign
. Bear hug test
. Hornblower's sign
. Jobe's test
. Drop arm test

Correct Answer & Explanation

. Bear hug test


Explanation

The bear hug test is highly sensitive for detecting tears of the upper portion of the subscapularis tendon. It places the tendon under maximal tension, often revealing subtle tears that might be missed by the belly-press or lift-off tests.

Question 2076

Topic: Shoulder & Hip Sports

During a Latarjet procedure for recurrent anterior shoulder instability, the coracoid process is osteotomized and transferred. To avoid iatrogenic injury to the musculocutaneous nerve during the deep dissection, the surgeon must remember that the nerve typically enters the conjoint tendon at what distance distal to the coracoid tip?

. 1 to 2 cm
. 3 to 8 cm
. 9 to 11 cm
. Greater than 12 cm

Correct Answer & Explanation

. 3 to 8 cm


Explanation

The musculocutaneous nerve typically enters the medial aspect of the conjoint tendon between 3 and 8 cm (average 5 cm) distal to the tip of the coracoid. Retraction and dissection in this zone must be performed with caution.

Question 2077

Topic: Shoulder & Hip Sports

A 45-year-old manual laborer presents with a chronic, massive, irreparable tear of the posterosuperior rotator cuff. He demonstrates profound weakness in external rotation (horn blower's sign) but has an intact subscapularis. Which tendon transfer is biomechanically most appropriate to restore external rotation and elevation?

. Pectoralis major transfer
. Latissimus dorsi transfer
. Lower trapezius transfer
. Pectoralis minor transfer

Correct Answer & Explanation

. Lower trapezius transfer


Explanation

The lower trapezius transfer is biomechanically superior for restoring external rotation because its line of pull closely replicates that of the native infraspinatus. Latissimus dorsi is an alternative but its native function is internal rotation, requiring retraining.

Question 2078

Topic: Shoulder & Hip Sports

A 32-year-old weightlifter presents with vague posterior shoulder pain and profound weakness in external rotation, with preserved abduction strength. EMG confirms an isolated nerve entrapment at the spinoglenoid notch. Which finding is expected on MRI?

. Edema isolated to the supraspinatus muscle
. Edema isolated to the infraspinatus muscle
. Fatty infiltration of both supraspinatus and infraspinatus
. Hypertrophy of the teres minor

Correct Answer & Explanation

. Edema isolated to the infraspinatus muscle


Explanation

The suprascapular nerve innervates the supraspinatus before passing through the spinoglenoid notch to innervate the infraspinatus. Compression at the spinoglenoid notch isolatedly affects the infraspinatus, presenting as external rotation weakness with preserved abduction.

Question 2079

Topic: Shoulder & Hip Sports

In performing a Latarjet procedure for recurrent anterior shoulder instability, the coracoid process is transferred to the anterior glenoid. The dynamic "sling effect" of this procedure is primarily provided by which of the following structures?

. Pectoralis minor tendon
. Conjoint tendon
. Long head of the biceps
. Coracoacromial ligament
. Subscapularis tendon

Correct Answer & Explanation

. Conjoint tendon


Explanation

The conjoint tendon (short head of the biceps and coracobrachialis) provides a dynamic sling effect across the anterior inferior capsule when the arm is abducted and externally rotated, greatly contributing to joint stability.

Question 2080

Topic: Shoulder & Hip Sports

A 24-year-old pitcher is diagnosed with Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Deficit (GIRD). He has 130 degrees of external rotation and 30 degrees of internal rotation on the throwing side. Which anatomic change is primarily responsible for this physical exam finding?

. Anterior capsular contracture
. Posterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament contracture
. Subscapularis contracture
. Pectoralis major tightness
. Superior labrum anterior-to-posterior (SLAP) tear

Correct Answer & Explanation

. Posterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament contracture


Explanation

GIRD is primarily caused by contracture and thickening of the posterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament, which limits internal rotation and shifts the humeral head posterosuperiorly in the cocking phase.