Elbow & Forearm MCQs

During an anterior approach to the proximal radius (Henry approach), the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) is at risk. What structure represents the most common site of PIN compression in radial tunnel syndrome?

A patient has posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI) of the elbow. Reconstruction of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) is planned. The LUCL normally originates on the lateral epicondyle and inserts on which of the following structures?

An 8-year-old boy sustains a supracondylar fracture of the humerus. Six months later, he demonstrates a prominent cubitus varus deformity. What is the primary underlying cause of this malalignment?

An 8-year-old boy falls on an outstretched hand and sustains a fracture of the radial neck. Radiographs demonstrate 50 degrees of angulation.

What is the most appropriate initial step in management?

A 35-year-old male presents with posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI) of the elbow following a dislocation. Which of the following describes the origin and insertion of the primary ligamentous restraint involved in this condition?

Posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI) of the elbow presents with a clunk during extension and supination. This condition is primarily caused by insufficiency of which ligamentous structure?

An 8-year-old boy is evaluated for a cosmetic deformity of his elbow three years after sustaining a supracondylar humerus fracture that was treated nonoperatively. He has full range of motion and normal neurology. What is the most common long-term deformity following this injury, and what is its primary functional consequence?

A 7-year-old child presents with a Bado type I Monteggia fracture-dislocation (ulnar shaft fracture with anterior radial head dislocation). Closed reduction of the ulna is performed, but the radial head remains subluxated. What is the most critical technical factor to ensure stable reduction of the radial head?

A 5-year-old girl falls on her outstretched hand and sustains a displaced lateral condyle fracture of the humerus. Radiographs show 4 mm of displacement. If this fracture progresses to a symptomatic nonunion, which of the following long-term complications is most characteristic?

A 45-year-old woman falls on an outstretched hand and sustains an elbow injury. Imaging confirms a posterior elbow dislocation, a type II coronoid fracture, and a comminuted radial head fracture (the "terrible triad"). During surgical reconstruction, what is the standard recommended sequence of repair?

During surgical reconstruction for a 'terrible triad' injury of the elbow, what is the recommended sequence of repair to best restore elbow stability?

During surgical decompression for recalcitrant intersection syndrome, the surgeon identifies intense tenosynovitis at the crossing point of two muscle bellies over two underlying tendons. The muscle bellies involved in this pathology belong to the:

A patient is evaluated for posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI) of the elbow following a dislocation. This condition is primarily associated with incompetence of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL). What is the exact distal insertion site of the LUCL?

A 25-year-old female sustains a closed distal humerus fracture involving the capitellum and lateral trochlea extending into the lateral column. Which classification best describes this injury?

A 30-year-old man sustains a Bado Type I Monteggia fracture-dislocation. The ulnar shaft fracture is anatomically reduced and plated, but the radial head remains dislocated anteriorly. What is the most common anatomic structure blocking the reduction of the radial head?

A 45-year-old man presents with a "terrible triad" injury of the elbow following a fall. What is the widely accepted standard sequence for surgical reconstruction of this injury?

A 6-year-old boy presents with a Bado Type I Monteggia fracture-dislocation. Closed reduction of the ulna correctly restores length and alignment, but the radial head remains anteriorly dislocated on radiographs. What is the most common anatomical block to the reduction of the radial head in this scenario?

A 45-year-old female falls onto an outstretched hand and sustains a 'terrible triad' injury of the elbow. Which of the following represents the most accepted surgical sequence for reconstructing this injury?

A professional baseball pitcher presents with chronic medial elbow pain and decreased throwing velocity. He describes a "pop" during a pitch several months ago. Examination reveals tenderness over the medial epicondyle, a positive valgus stress test at 30 degrees of elbow flexion, and a positive moving valgus stress test. Radiographs show no acute fractures but reveal subtle calcification within the medial collateral ligament. What is the MOST likely diagnosis and definitive treatment?

A 45-year-old male bodybuilder experiences a sudden, sharp pain in his elbow while lifting a heavy weight. He notices a "pop" and immediate weakness in elbow flexion and forearm supination. Examination reveals a palpable defect in the distal biceps tendon, ecchymosis in the antecubital fossa, and a positive "hook test". What is the MOST appropriate management?