8. Foot and Ankle MCQs

During open reduction and internal fixation of a calcaneus fracture via an extensile lateral approach, screws are targeted into the "constant" fragment. Which anatomical structure represents this fragment and serves as a roof for the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon?

A patient presents with intractable heel pain and a positive Tinel's sign posterior to the medial malleolus. The surgeon elects to release the tarsal tunnel. The first branch of the lateral plantar nerve (Baxter's nerve) typically passes between which two muscles in the foot?

An anterolateral approach to the ankle is chosen for open reduction and internal fixation of a juvenile Tillaux fracture. Which nerve must be carefully identified and protected as it crosses the ankle joint in this surgical interval?

An extensile lateral approach is planned for a displaced intra-articular calcaneus fracture. The full-thickness flap must be carefully elevated directly off the periosteum to protect vascular supply. Which artery provides the primary blood supply to the apex of this lateral flap?

A 45-year-old female presents with burning pain in the plantar foot consistent with tarsal tunnel syndrome. Which of the following represents the correct anatomical order of structures within the tarsal tunnel from anterior/medial to posterior/lateral?

During a minimally invasive anterolateral approach to the distal tibia, the surgeon identifies a nerve crossing the surgical field from posteromedial to anterolateral. This nerve typically pierces the deep crural fascia to become subcutaneous at what location?

During a tarsal tunnel release for posterior tibial nerve entrapment, the surgeon meticulously dissects the structures passing posterior to the medial malleolus. What is the correct anatomic order of these structures from anterior to posterior?

An anterolateral approach to the distal tibia and ankle joint is performed for a complex pilon fracture. During the superficial dissection, a specific nerve is identified crossing the surgical field and is protected. This nerve provides sensory innervation to which of the following areas?

A surgeon is performing a dorsal approach for the excision of a Morton's neuroma in the third web space of the foot. To fully decompress or resect the lesion, the surgeon must understand its relationship to the deep transverse metatarsal ligament. In normal anatomy, where does the common plantar digital nerve course relative to this ligament?

In a patient with stage II acquired adult flatfoot deformity, the spring ligament is often attenuated. What are the primary bony attachments of the spring ligament?

Which of the following ligaments is the strongest and provides the greatest biomechanical resistance to diastasis of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis?

A 32-year-old woman sustains a displaced talar neck fracture. She is at high risk for avascular necrosis of the talar body due to retrograde blood supply. Which of the following arteries provides the predominant blood supply to the talar body?

A 25-year-old soccer player is diagnosed with a high ankle sprain. Which of the following ligaments is the strongest and provides the most stability to the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis?

During flatfoot reconstruction, the surgeon evaluates the plantar calcaneonavicular ligament. This structure, which is a primary static stabilizer of the longitudinal arch, is directly supported plantarly by which of the following tendons?

During surgical release of the tarsal tunnel, the flexor retinaculum is divided. From anterior to posterior, what is the correct anatomical order of the structures passing behind the medial malleolus?

During a posterolateral approach to the ankle for fixation of a posterior malleolus fracture, the sural nerve is at risk of iatrogenic injury. What two nerves typically join to form the sural nerve?

During a medial approach to the knee for a medial collateral ligament repair, the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve is transected. What clinical deficit will the patient experience?

During surgical release of the tarsal tunnel, the structures posterior to the medial malleolus are encountered. What is the correct order of these structures from anterior to posterior?

A 24-year-old athlete sustains a severe high ankle sprain. Anatomically, which ligament provides the strongest restraint to diastasis of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis?