This practice set contains high-yield board review questions covering key concepts in Shoulder & Hip Sports. Each clinical scenario is designed to test your diagnostic and management skills relevant to this subspecialty.
Question 1821
Topic: Shoulder & Hip Sports
A 62-year-old laborer presents with chronic, debilitating shoulder pain and pseudoparalysis. MRI reveals a massive, retracted, irreparable tear of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus with Grade 4 fatty infiltration. The subscapularis and teres minor are intact. He undergoes an arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) using a thick dermal allograft.
Biomechanically, how does the SCR primarily restore shoulder kinematics in this specific clinical scenario?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. By physically tethering the greater tuberosity to the superior glenoid to limit superior humeral head migration
Explanation
Superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) is designed to address massive, irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears. Biomechanically, it functions primarily as a static restraint. By rigidly attaching a graft from the superior glenoid (replacing the native superior capsule) to the greater tuberosity footprint, the SCR acts as a tether that depresses the humeral head and resists superior migration during deltoid activation. This statically restores the coronal plane force couple, allowing the intact deltoid and remaining rotator cuff to elevate the arm more effectively.
Question 1822
Topic: Shoulder & Hip Sports
A 24-year-old rugby player presents for management of recurrent anterior shoulder instability. He has had four dislocations. Computed tomography (CT) with 3D sagittal reconstruction demonstrates an anteroinferior glenoid bone loss of 22% and a large, engaging Hill-Sachs lesion. Based on current literature and evidence-based treatment algorithms, which of the following is the most appropriate surgical management?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Open Latarjet procedure (coracoid transfer)
Explanation
In the setting of recurrent anterior shoulder instability with critical glenoid bone loss (typically cited as >15-20% depending on the functional demands) and an engaging Hill-Sachs lesion (off-track lesion), isolated soft tissue repairs (like arthroscopic Bankart) have an unacceptably high failure rate. The Latarjet procedure (transfer of the coracoid process with the attached conjoined tendon to the anterior glenoid) provides a triple blocking effect (bone augmentation, sling effect of the conjoined tendon on the lower subscapularis, and capsular repair) and is the gold standard for subcritical/critical bone loss in collision athletes.
Question 1823
Topic: Shoulder & Hip Sports
A 65-year-old male presents with pseudoparalysis of the shoulder. An MRI reveals an irreparable, chronically retracted tear of the subscapularis tendon with significant fatty infiltration (Goutallier stage 4). The posterosuperior cuff is intact. He is scheduled to undergo a pectoralis major transfer. Which portion of the pectoralis major is typically transferred to best replicate the force vector of the native subscapularis?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. The sternal head routed posterior (deep) to the conjoint tendon
Explanation
For irreparable subscapularis tears, transferring the sternal head of the pectoralis major, routed deep (posterior) to the conjoint tendon, most closely recreates the line of pull of the native subscapularis muscle and acts to stabilize the anterior joint and restore internal rotation function.
Question 1824
Topic: Shoulder & Hip Sports
A 28-year-old professional hockey player presents with chronic anterior groin pain exacerbated by hip flexion and internal rotation. Radiographs demonstrate a pistol-grip deformity of the proximal femur.
Which of the following radiographic parameters is most diagnostic of a Cam-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Alpha angle > 55 degrees
Explanation
An alpha angle greater than 50-55 degrees (often measured on a lateral or Dunn view) is indicative of a decreased femoral head-neck offset characteristic of Cam impingement. A lateral center edge angle > 40 degrees and a positive cross-over sign (acetabular retroversion) are findings associated with Pincer-type impingement.
Question 1825
Topic: Shoulder & Hip Sports
A 45-year-old recreational weightlifter presents with deep anterior shoulder pain. An MRI arthrogram demonstrates a Type II SLAP tear without rotator cuff pathology. A trial of physical therapy and injections has failed to provide relief. What is the most appropriate surgical management for this patient to minimize postoperative stiffness and maximize return to pre-injury activity?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Biceps tenodesis
Explanation
In patients over the age of 35-40, SLAP repair is associated with a significantly higher risk of postoperative stiffness, persistent pain, and lower rates of return to sport compared to biceps tenodesis. Biceps tenodesis is currently the preferred surgical treatment for symptomatic Type II SLAP tears in older or middle-aged patients.
Question 1826
Topic: Shoulder & Hip Sports
During a classic Latarjet procedure for anterior shoulder instability with significant glenoid bone loss, the coracoid process is transferred to the anterior glenoid rim. To expose the anterior glenoid, how is the subscapularis muscle typically managed in the traditional Latarjet technique described by Walch?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Splitting the muscle fibers longitudinally
Explanation
The classic Latarjet procedure involves a longitudinal split of the subscapularis muscle (typically at the junction of the superior two-thirds and inferior one-third). This split allows passage of the coracoid graft and the attached conjoint tendon to the anterior glenoid rim. This "sling effect" of the conjoint tendon traversing the subscapularis split provides a dynamic stabilizing effect.
Question 1827
Topic: Shoulder & Hip Sports
A 24-year-old rugby player presents with recurrent anterior shoulder instability. A CT scan of the shoulder reveals 12% anterior glenoid bone loss and a large Hill-Sachs lesion. Applying the glenoid track concept, the Hill-Sachs lesion is calculated to be 'off-track.' Which of the following is the most appropriate surgical management to minimize the risk of recurrent instability?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Arthroscopic Bankart repair with remplissage
Explanation
The glenoid track concept determines whether a Hill-Sachs lesion will engage the anterior glenoid rim. An 'off-track' lesion in the setting of subcritical glenoid bone loss (<15-20%) is best managed with an arthroscopic Bankart repair combined with a remplissage (capsulotenodesis of the infraspinatus into the Hill-Sachs defect). If glenoid bone loss is critical (>20%), a bone-block augmentation procedure such as a Latarjet is indicated.
Question 1828
Topic: Shoulder & Hip Sports
A 35-year-old male weightlifter presents with chronic anterior shoulder pain that radiates down his arm. He reports pain primarily during the bench press and cross-body adduction. Physical examination reveals point tenderness over the coracoid process, and a positive O'Brien test that is relieved by external rotation. MRI of the shoulder reveals a coracohumeral distance of 4 mm and subscapularis tendinosis without a rotator cuff tear. After failing 6 months of physical therapy and corticosteroid injections, what is the most appropriate surgical management?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Arthroscopic coracoplasty
Explanation
The clinical presentation (anterior pain, point tenderness over the coracoid, positive cross-body adduction) and MRI findings (decreased coracohumeral distance < 7 mm, subscapularis tendinosis) are classic for subcoracoid impingement. The appropriate management for cases refractory to conservative treatment is an arthroscopic coracoplasty (resection of the posterolateral aspect of the coracoid) to increase the coracohumeral interval.
Question 1829
Topic: Shoulder & Hip Sports
A 28-year-old offensive lineman complains of recurrent posterior shoulder instability that has failed extensive nonoperative management. Imaging shows a reverse Hill-Sachs lesion involving 25% of the anterior humeral articular surface and an associated posterior labral tear. To prevent engagement and provide the best clinical outcome, what is the most appropriate surgical management?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Arthroscopic posterior labral repair with subscapularis or lesser tuberosity transfer
Explanation
A large reverse Hill-Sachs lesion (involving >20-25% of the anterior articular surface) in the setting of posterior shoulder instability requires addressing the bony defect to prevent anterior joint engagement. The modified McLaughlin procedure (transfer of the subscapularis tendon or lesser tuberosity into the defect) combined with posterior stabilization is the recommended surgical management to restore stability.
Question 1830
Topic: Shoulder & Hip Sports
A 25-year-old hockey player is undergoing hip arthroscopy for symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) characterized by a prominent cam lesion and an alpha angle of 70 degrees. During the osteochondroplasty, excessive bony resection of the cam lesion at the femoral head-neck junction most significantly increases the risk of which of the following complications?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Femoral neck fracture
Explanation
During arthroscopic cam resection (osteochondroplasty), removing more than 30% of the femoral neck diameter significantly alters the biomechanics and load-bearing capacity of the proximal femur. Biomechanical studies have shown that this drastically increases the risk of an iatrogenic femoral neck fracture. Surgeons must carefully template and measure the resection depth to avoid over-resection.
Question 1831
Topic: Shoulder & Hip Sports
A 62-year-old highly active male presents with chronic pseudoparalysis of his right shoulder. Imaging reveals a massive, retracted, and irreparable supraspinatus and infraspinatus tear. He elects to undergo an arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction (SCR).
To optimize the biomechanical success of the SCR and effectively centralize the humeral head, the allograft must be securely attached to the superior glenoid and which other structures?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Greater tuberosity, posterior infraspinatus, and anterior subscapularis
Explanation
In a superior capsular reconstruction (SCR), the graft is anchored medially to the superior glenoid and laterally to the greater tuberosity. To successfully restore the superior restraints and optimize the coronal and sagittal force couples, the anterior and posterior margins of the graft must be sutured side-to-side to the intact subscapularis (anteriorly) and the infraspinatus/teres minor (posteriorly).
Question 1832
Topic: Shoulder & Hip Sports
A 22-year-old hockey player presents with chronic groin pain exacerbated by hip flexion and internal rotation. Examination demonstrates a positive anterior impingement test. An anteroposterior pelvis radiograph is obtained.
The radiograph demonstrates a prominent "crossover sign." Measurement of the alpha angle on a Dunn lateral view is 45 degrees. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Pincer-type femoroacetabular impingement
Explanation
The crossover sign on an AP pelvis radiograph indicates focal or global acetabular retroversion, which is a classic finding of Pincer-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Pincer FAI is caused by overcoverage of the femoral head by the acetabulum. An alpha angle of 45 degrees is within normal limits (typically < 50-55 degrees), ruling out Cam-type FAI, which is characterized by an abnormal femoral head-neck offset.
Question 1833
Topic: Shoulder & Hip Sports
A 21-year-old male rugby player presents with recurrent anterior shoulder instability. He has had 5 dislocations in the past year. CT scan reveals 25% anterior glenoid bone loss. He undergoes an open Latarjet procedure. Which of the following describes the "sling effect" provided by the Latarjet procedure?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. The conjoined tendon acts as a dynamic sling on the inferior subscapularis and anterior-inferior capsule when the arm is abducted and externally rotated.
Explanation
The Latarjet procedure provides stability through a triple-blocking mechanism: 1) the "sling effect" of the conjoined tendon on the inferior subscapularis and anteroinferior capsule when the arm is abducted and externally rotated; 2) the bone block effect of the transferred coracoid extending the glenoid articular arc; and 3) the capsular repair (often using the coracoacromial ligament stump to the capsule).
Question 1834
Topic: Shoulder & Hip Sports
A 55-year-old man presents with anterior shoulder pain and weakness following a fall onto an outstretched hand. On physical examination, he demonstrates a positive bear-hug test and increased passive external rotation compared to the contralateral side. MRI confirms an isolated, full-thickness tear of the subscapularis tendon. During arthroscopic repair, which of the following structures must be carefully evaluated and is most commonly associated with this injury pattern?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Biceps pulley and long head of the biceps tendon
Explanation
Isolated subscapularis tears are highly associated with pathology of the biceps pulley (composed of the coracohumeral and superior glenohumeral ligaments) and the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT). Disruption of the subscapularis and biceps pulley often leads to medial subluxation or dislocation of the LHBT. Therefore, thorough evaluation and concomitant treatment of the LHBT (such as tenodesis or tenotomy) are crucial during surgical management.
Question 1835
Topic: Shoulder & Hip Sports
A 24-year-old male hockey player presents with groin pain exacerbated by hip flexion and internal rotation. Radiographs demonstrate an alpha angle of 70 degrees on the Dunn lateral view and a lateral center edge angle of 35 degrees. He is diagnosed with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). If left untreated, the pathomechanics of his specific impingement type typically result in which of the following patterns of chondral injury?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Delamination of the anterosuperior acetabular articular cartilage with labral detachment
Explanation
The patient has a Cam-type FAI, defined by an alpha angle greater than 50-55 degrees, indicating an aspherical femoral head-neck junction. Cam impingement occurs when this prominence is forced into the acetabulum during hip flexion, generating outside-in shear forces. This typically causes delamination of the anterosuperior acetabular cartilage and separation of the labrum from the adjacent cartilage. Conversely, Pincer FAI is more frequently associated with contrecoup lesions in the posterior-inferior acetabulum due to a levering effect.
Question 1836
Topic: Shoulder & Hip Sports
A 22-year-old hockey player presents with chronic, deep groin pain exacerbated by hip flexion and internal rotation. Radiographs demonstrate an aspherical femoral head with an alpha angle of 68 degrees. If the patient undergoes hip arthroscopy, what is the most typical pattern of associated intra-articular cartilage damage expected?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Delamination of the anterosuperior acetabular cartilage
Explanation
This patient has Cam-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), characterized by a nonspherical femoral head and decreased head-neck offset (high alpha angle). During hip flexion and internal rotation, the cam lesion engages the acetabulum, creating shear forces that classically lead to delamination of the articular cartilage in the anterosuperior quadrant of the acetabulum (frequently causing the 'carpet delamination' sign), often while the overlying labrum remains relatively intact initially.
Question 1837
Topic: Shoulder & Hip Sports
A 17-year-old female swimmer presents with bilateral shoulder pain and a sensation that her shoulders frequently 'slip out of place.' Examination reveals positive sulcus signs bilaterally, positive apprehension and relocation tests, and a Beighton score of 7/9. There is no history of a distinct traumatic dislocation. She has undergone standard rotator cuff strengthening for 3 months with minimal improvement. What is the most appropriate next step in management?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Focused physical therapy program emphasizing periscapular stabilizers and proprioception
Explanation
This patient's presentation is classic for multidirectional instability (MDI). The hallmark of MDI treatment is a prolonged, focused rehabilitation program. While she had standard rotator cuff strengthening, the rehabilitation for MDI must specifically emphasize periscapular muscle strengthening (serratus anterior, rhomboids, trapezius) and dynamic proprioceptive control. Operative interventions (such as capsular shifts) are strictly reserved for patients who fail at least 6 months of a dedicated, MDI-specific therapy program.
Question 1838
Topic: Shoulder & Hip Sports
A 19-year-old collegiate swimmer presents with bilateral shoulder pain and a sensation of 'slipping'. Physical examination reveals a sulcus sign of 2 cm bilaterally, positive apprehension and relocation tests, and generalized ligamentous laxity with a Beighton score of 7/9. Initial management should consist of:
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Periscapular and rotator cuff strengthening program
Explanation
The patient has multidirectional instability (MDI), characterized by generalized laxity and instability in more than one plane (inferior, anterior, posterior). The cornerstone of initial management for MDI is a prolonged, structured physical therapy program emphasizing periscapular stabilizers and rotator cuff strengthening (often for a minimum of 6 months). Surgery is strictly reserved for those who fail extensive nonoperative treatment.
Question 1839
Topic: Shoulder & Hip Sports
A 24-year-old baseball pitcher presents with deep shoulder pain and a 'dead arm' sensation. An MRI arthrogram reveals a SLAP tear with detachment of the superior labrum and biceps anchor from the glenoid (Type II SLAP tear). Which of the following physical examination tests is designed to evaluate this pathology by utilizing active compression?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Positive O'Brien active compression test
Explanation
The O'Brien test (active compression test) is performed with the arm flexed to 90 degrees, adducted 10 to 15 degrees, and internally rotated (thumb pointing down). Pain elicited in this position that is relieved when the arm is externally rotated (thumb pointing up) suggests a SLAP lesion. Neer and Hawkins-Kennedy tests evaluate subacromial impingement; Hornblower's sign tests teres minor pathology; Speed's test assesses long head of biceps pathology.
Question 1840
Topic: Shoulder & Hip Sports
A 26-year-old professional volleyball player presents with insidious onset of posterior shoulder pain and paresthesias over the lateral aspect of the shoulder. She also reports weakness with external rotation. An MRI demonstrates fatty infiltration and atrophy isolated to the teres minor with no rotator cuff tear. What is the most likely cause of her symptoms?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Axillary nerve compression in the quadrilateral space
Explanation
Quadrilateral space syndrome is caused by compression of the axillary nerve and the posterior humeral circumflex artery within the quadrilateral space. Clinical presentation includes poorly localized posterior shoulder pain, paresthesias over the lateral deltoid, and weakness in external rotation. MRI characteristically shows isolated atrophy and fatty infiltration of the teres minor (and occasionally the deltoid). Suprascapular nerve entrapment at the spinoglenoid notch causes isolated infraspinatus atrophy.
Test Yourself
Switch to an interactive, timed exam simulation to truly master this topic.