This practice set contains high-yield board review questions covering key concepts in Nerve & Tendon. Each clinical scenario is designed to test your diagnostic and management skills relevant to this subspecialty.
Question 621
Topic: Nerve & Tendon
A 45-year-old mechanic presents with a 6-month history of numbness and tingling in his ring and small fingers, which worsens when he keeps his elbow flexed during telephone calls. Examination shows a strongly positive Tinel's sign over the posteromedial elbow and a positive Froment's sign. Electromyography confirms severe ulnar neuropathy isolated to the elbow. During a surgical ulnar nerve release, the primary site of compression is identified between the humeral and ulnar heads of the flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU). What anatomical structure forms the roof of this specific compression site?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Osborne's ligament
Explanation
The ulnar nerve can be compressed at several distinct sites around the elbow, most commonly at the cubital tunnel. The cubital tunnel itself is bordered by the medial epicondyle anteriorly, the olecranon laterally, and the two heads of the flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) distally. The roof of the tunnel, which connects the humeral and ulnar heads of the FCU, is formed by Osborne's ligament (or Osborne's fascia). The Arcade of Struthers is a fascial band proximal to the medial epicondyle. The Ligament of Struthers and the Lacertus fibrosus are associated with median nerve compression.
Question 622
Topic: Nerve & Tendon
A 28-year-old competitive weightlifter complains of painful snapping on the medial aspect of his dominant right elbow when performing triceps extensions. Physical examination reveals a palpable snap over the medial epicondyle during active elbow flexion and extension. Dynamic ultrasound confirms the diagnosis of snapping triceps syndrome. What is the most common anatomical variant associated with this condition?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Hypertrophy of the medial head of the triceps
Explanation
Snapping triceps syndrome is characterized by the concurrent subluxation of the ulnar nerve and the medial head of the triceps over the medial epicondyle during elbow flexion. It is most commonly associated with hypertrophy of the medial head of the triceps, often seen in weightlifters or manual laborers. It must be differentiated from isolated ulnar nerve subluxation to ensure both pathologies are addressed surgically if conservative measures fail.
Question 623
Topic: Nerve & Tendon
A 58-year-old woman with a history of poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus presents with a locked trigger finger of the right ring finger. She has had no prior treatments. Which of the following statements regarding the management of trigger finger in diabetic patients is most accurate?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Diabetic patients have a higher rate of treatment failure following single or multiple corticosteroid injections compared to non-diabetic patients.
Explanation
Diabetic patients with trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis) tend to have a more recalcitrant disease course than non-diabetics. Extensive literature demonstrates that diabetic patients have a significantly higher rate of treatment failure with corticosteroid injections and are more likely to eventually require surgical release of the A1 pulley. They also have a higher incidence of multiple digit involvement. Despite the higher failure rate, an initial injection is still often utilized, but patients should be counseled on the increased likelihood of needing surgery.
Question 624
Topic: Nerve & Tendon
During a routine in situ ulnar nerve decompression for cubital tunnel syndrome, the surgeon must systematically evaluate and release potential sites of nerve compression. Which of the following structures represents the most proximal potential site of ulnar nerve entrapment?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Arcade of Struthers
Explanation
The ulnar nerve can be compressed at several sites around the elbow. From proximal to distal, these sites are: the arcade of Struthers (a fascial band extending from the medial intermuscular septum to the medial head of the triceps, located about 8 cm proximal to the medial epicondyle), the medial intermuscular septum, the medial epicondyle, Osborne's ligament (the retinaculum forming the roof of the cubital tunnel), and the aponeurosis of the two heads of the flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU). Therefore, the arcade of Struthers is the most proximal site.
Question 625
Topic: Nerve & Tendon
A 48-year-old typist presents with numbness in his small and ring fingers. Examination reveals a positive Tinel's sign at the cubital tunnel and weakness in finger abduction. EMG confirms severe ulnar neuropathy at the elbow. During a submuscular ulnar nerve transposition, which of the following fascial structures represents a potential site of nerve compression that MUST be released to prevent postoperative failure?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Arcade of Struthers
Explanation
During an ulnar nerve transposition, it is critical to release all potential sites of compression. These sites include the Arcade of Struthers (a fascial band extending from the medial intermuscular septum to the medial head of the triceps), the medial intermuscular septum, Osborne's ligament, and the deep flexor-pronator aponeurosis. The Ligament of Struthers and Lacertus fibrosus compress the median nerve. The Arcade of Frohse compresses the posterior interosseous nerve.
Question 626
Topic: Nerve & Tendon
A 45-year-old carpenter presents with numbness and tingling in his small and ring fingers, which is exacerbated by prolonged elbow flexion. Electrodiagnostic studies confirm isolated ulnar neuropathy at the elbow. Which of the following is the most common site of ulnar nerve compression in this condition?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Osborne's ligament (cubital tunnel retinaculum)
Explanation
The most common site of ulnar nerve compression at the elbow is between the two heads of the flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU), specifically under Osborne's ligament (the cubital tunnel retinaculum). Compression can also occur at the arcade of Struthers, medial intermuscular septum, or deep flexor pronator aponeurosis, but Osborne's ligament is statistically the most frequent location.
Question 627
Topic: Nerve & Tendon
A 40-year-old mechanic complains of recurrent numbness and tingling in his small and ring fingers, 6 months after an in situ open ulnar nerve decompression at the elbow. On examination, the ulnar nerve is palpated subluxating over the medial epicondyle during elbow flexion.
What is the best surgical option for this patient?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve
Explanation
The patient has recurrent cubital tunnel syndrome with a subluxating ulnar nerve following a previous in situ release. Instability and subluxation of the ulnar nerve over the medial epicondyle is a primary indication for anterior transposition (subcutaneous, intramuscular, or submuscular). A revision in situ decompression would not address the dynamic instability causing neuritis. Anterior transposition relocates the nerve anterior to the axis of elbow motion, preventing subluxation and decreasing tension on the nerve during active flexion.
Question 628
Topic: Nerve & Tendon
An elite collegiate baseball pitcher undergoes ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction using a docking technique. Preoperatively, he had no signs or symptoms of ulnar neuropathy, and his EMG/NCS were normal. During the procedure, what is the most universally recommended management of the ulnar nerve?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Ulnar nerve left in situ without transposition
Explanation
In UCL reconstruction for overhead athletes without preoperative ulnar nerve symptoms, the ulnar nerve is generally left in situ. Routine transposition (subcutaneous or submuscular) in asymptomatic patients has been associated with a higher incidence of iatrogenic postoperative ulnar neuropathy and is typically reserved for patients with preoperative ulnar nerve symptoms or significant intraoperative subluxation of the nerve.
Question 629
Topic: Nerve & Tendon
A 34-year-old male presents with persistent cubital tunnel syndrome despite 6 months of conservative management. He has a history of a childhood supracondylar humerus fracture and presents with a significant cubitus valgus deformity. EMG confirms severe ulnar neuropathy at the elbow. Which of the following surgical interventions is most appropriate?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Anterior ulnar nerve transposition
Explanation
Anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve is indicated for cubital tunnel syndrome in the setting of structural deformities such as cubitus valgus (tardy ulnar palsy from a prior supracondylar fracture), hardware from prior surgeries, nerve instability/subluxation, or a recurrent condition. In situ decompression is a reliable option for idiopathic cases without anatomic distortion, but it is insufficient when bony deformity places chronic tension on the nerve.
Question 630
Topic: Nerve & Tendon
A 45-year-old carpenter complains of progressive numbness in the small and ring fingers of his right hand, along with weakness in grip strength. Examination shows intrinsic muscle wasting and a positive Tinel's sign at the cubital tunnel. EMG reveals severe ulnar neuropathy at the elbow. During surgical exploration for ulnar nerve decompression, the ulnar nerve is observed to subluxate anteriorly over the medial epicondyle during elbow flexion. Which of the following is the most appropriate surgical procedure?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve
Explanation
While in situ decompression is an effective treatment for many cases of primary cubital tunnel syndrome, a nerve that subluxates anteriorly over the medial epicondyle during elbow flexion after decompression is at high risk for friction neuritis and recurrent symptoms. Therefore, the presence of dynamic nerve subluxation is a direct indication to perform an anterior transposition (subcutaneous, intramuscular, or submuscular) of the ulnar nerve to stabilize it in an anterior position.
Question 631
Topic: Nerve & Tendon
A 42-year-old man undergoes a single-incision anterior approach for repair of an acute distal biceps tendon rupture. Postoperatively, he notes numbness along the lateral aspect of his forearm. Which nerve is most likely injured?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve
Explanation
The lateral antebrachial cutaneous (LABC) nerve is the most commonly injured nerve during a single-incision anterior approach for distal biceps repair. Injury typically occurs due to excessive lateral retraction.
Question 632
Topic: Nerve & Tendon
A 38-year-old bodybuilder undergoes a single-incision anterior approach repair for a distal biceps tendon rupture. Postoperatively, he complains of numbness and tingling along the lateral aspect of his forearm. Which nerve was most likely injured during the procedure?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve
Explanation
The lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve (LABC) is the most commonly injured nerve during a single-incision anterior distal biceps repair. The posterior interosseous nerve is more commonly at risk with a two-incision approach.
Question 633
Topic: Nerve & Tendon
A 50-year-old male presents with weakness of pinch grip and numbness in the small finger, extending to the dorsal ulnar aspect of the hand. Examination reveals weakness of the first dorsal interosseous muscle and a positive Froment sign. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Cubital tunnel syndrome
Explanation
The combination of sensory symptoms in the ulnar digits and weakness in ulnar-innervated intrinsic muscles suggests ulnar neuropathy. Sensation loss over the dorsal ulnar hand localizes the compression proximal to Guyon's canal, pointing to cubital tunnel syndrome.
Question 634
Topic: Nerve & Tendon
A 45-year-old typist complains of numbness in his ring and small fingers, and weakness in his hand. Examination reveals a positive Froment's sign when attempting to pinch a piece of paper. Which muscle is compensating for the primary motor deficit during this maneuver?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Adductor pollicis
Explanation
Froment's sign demonstrates compensatory interphalangeal joint flexion by the flexor pollicis longus (innervated by the anterior interosseous nerve) during pinch grip. This compensates for the weakness of the adductor pollicis, which is paralyzed due to ulnar nerve compression (cubital or Guyon's canal).
Question 635
Topic: Nerve & Tendon
A 45-year-old carpenter presents with persistent numbness in his small and ring fingers, accompanied by intrinsic hand muscle weakness. He is diagnosed with severe cubital tunnel syndrome. During surgical decompression, which structure represents the most common site of ulnar nerve compression at the elbow?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Osborne's ligament (cubital tunnel retinaculum)
Explanation
Osborne's ligament, also known as the cubital tunnel retinaculum, spans between the olecranon and the medial epicondyle and is the most frequent site of ulnar nerve compression. The ligament of Struthers is associated with median nerve compression in the distal humerus.
Question 636
Topic: Nerve & Tendon
A 22-year-old rugby player sustained a hyperextension injury to his ring finger while grasping an opponent's jersey. He cannot actively flex the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint. Examination reveals tenderness localized to the palm. According to the Leddy and Packer classification, what is the appropriate management for this injury?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Primary tendon repair within 7-10 days
Explanation
This is a Type I Jersey finger (FDP avulsion) where the tendon retracts into the palm, disrupting both the vincular blood supply and the tendon's nutritional pathways. It requires early surgical repair within 7 to 10 days to prevent permanent tendon retraction and necrosis.
Question 637
Topic: Nerve & Tendon
A 40-year-old carpenter presents with numbness and tingling in his small and ring fingers. He also notes clumsiness when handling small nails. Nerve conduction studies confirm ulnar neuropathy at the elbow. Which of the following is the most common site of ulnar nerve compression in this condition?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Osborne's ligament
Explanation
Cubital tunnel syndrome is most commonly caused by compression of the ulnar nerve at Osborne's ligament (the cubital tunnel retinaculum) which connects the humeral and ulnar heads of the flexor carpi ulnaris.
Question 638
Topic: Nerve & Tendon
A cyclist presents with isolated weakness of the dorsal interossei and adductor pollicis, with completely normal sensation in the small and ring fingers. A lesion in which anatomical zone of Guyon's canal is most likely responsible?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Zone 2
Explanation
Zone 1 contains the mixed ulnar nerve before its bifurcation. Zone 2 contains only the deep motor branch, which innervates the interossei and adductor pollicis; compression here causes isolated motor deficits.
Question 639
Topic: Nerve & Tendon
A patient presents with median nerve compression symptoms proximal to the elbow. Imaging reveals a supracondylar process of the humerus. Which anatomical structure typically connects this process to the medial epicondyle and compresses the median nerve?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Ligament of Struthers
Explanation
The ligament of Struthers connects an anomalous supracondylar process to the medial epicondyle. It can compress the median nerve and the brachial artery, which pass deep to this ligament.
Question 640
Topic: Nerve & Tendon
When performing a volar release for de Quervain's tenosynovitis, care must be taken to avoid injury to sensory nerve branches. Which nerve is most at risk during the surgical release of the first dorsal compartment?
Correct Answer & Explanation
. Superficial sensory branch of the radial nerve
Explanation
The superficial sensory branch of the radial nerve courses over the first dorsal compartment (containing APL and EPB). It is highly susceptible to injury during surgical release for de Quervain's tenosynovitis.
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