Orthopedic Board Review Mock Exam Set 959: 100 MCQs for ABOS, OITE, FRCS - Spine, Trauma, Sports Med & Arthroplasty

Key Takeaway
This page provides 100 high-yield orthopedic board review MCQs, designed for ABOS, OITE, and FRCS exam preparation. Covering Spine, Trauma, Sports Med, and Arthroplasty, these questions help surgeons master key concepts and excel in their board examinations.
Comprehensive 100-Question Exam
00:00
Start Quiz
Question 1
Figure 29 shows the radiograph of a 25-year-old woman who has had a 3-month history of ankle pain after sustaining an inversion injury to the ankle. She reports occasional catching, but no sense of instability. Examination reveals ligament stability. Management should consist of

Explanation
Question 2
A 48-year-old woman reports bilateral thigh pain that is limiting her function as a librarian. A radiograph and a bone scan are shown in Figures 23a and 23b. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Explanation
Question 3
Primary chondrosarcoma of bone most commonly occurs in which of the following locations?
Explanation
Question 4
Figure 38a shows the radiograph of a 12-year-old boy who underwent a reamed intramedullary nailing for a closed femoral shaft fracture. One year after rod removal, he reports groin pain. A current radiograph is shown in Figure 38b. The findings are most likely the result of

Explanation
Question 5
A characteristic genetic translocation has been noted in which of the following tumors?

Explanation
Question 6
What three structures are considered the primary constraints necessary for elbow stability?
Explanation
Question 7
Figures 34a and 34b show the axial and sagittal MRI scans of a 36-year-old man who reports the insidious onset of pain in the right shoulder. What is the most appropriate description of the acromial morphology?

Explanation
Question 8
A 47-year-old man with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease was treated with a fifth metatarsal head resection for a symptomatic bunionette 2 years ago. What is the most likely complication seen at this time?

Explanation
Question 9
The injection shown in Figures 1a and 1b would most benefit a patient who reports which of the following symptoms?

Explanation
Question 10
When performing surgery on a patient with insertional Achilles tendinitis and a Haglund's deformity, how much of the Achilles tendon insertion can be safely detached without having to consider reattachment with bone anchors?
Explanation
Question 11
A 6-year-old girl has never been able to crawl or walk and can sit only when propped. History reveals no complications during pregnancy or delivery. Examination reveals a 30-degree scoliosis from T4 to L3. Deep tendon reflexes are absent, but fasciculations are present. The most likely genetic defect is the result of an abnormality in

Explanation
Question 12
A 6-year-old girl has a painless spinal deformity. Examination reveals 2+ and equal knee jerks and ankle jerks, negative clonus, and a negative Babinski. The straight leg raising test is negative. Abdominal reflexes are asymmetrical. PA and lateral radiographs are shown in Figures 15a and 15b. What is the next most appropriate step in management?

Explanation
Question 13
A 40-year-old man has a painless mass around his left ankle. He notes minimal growth over the past year. An MRI scan is shown in Figure 73a, and biopsy specimens are shown in Figures 73b and 73c. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Explanation
Question 14
An active 49-year-old woman who sustained a diaphyseal fracture of the clavicle 8 months ago now reports persistent shoulder pain with daily activities. An AP radiograph is shown in Figure 8. Management should consist of

Explanation
Question 15
Anterior subluxation in a throwing athlete is most commonly the result of

Explanation
Question 16
What is the most important factor regarding the risk of recurrent instability in a patient with an acute anterior dislocation of the shoulder?

Explanation
Question 17
A 74-year-old man has had worsening left shoulder pain for the past 3 years. Extensive nonsurgical management has provided only minimal relief. Examination reveals limitations in motion due to pain but good rotator cuff strength. Radiographs are shown in Figures 53a and 53b. What surgical procedure is most appropriate?

Explanation
Question 18
What is the most common cause for poor outcomes in patients who undergo total shoulder arthroplasty?

Explanation
Question 19
A 73-year-old man stepped off a street curb and felt a crack in his left hip. He is now unable to bear weight. A radiograph is shown in Figure 54a. Biopsy specimens are shown in Figures 54b and 54c. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Explanation
Question 20
Manipulation under anesthesia for resistant frozen shoulder should be avoided in patients with
Explanation
Question 21
Which of the following best describes athletic pubalgia?
Explanation
Question 22
Creatine is currently being used by athletes as a dietary supplement in an attempt to enhance performance. What is the physiologic basis for its use?
Explanation
Question 23
A 66-year-old patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus has a deep, nonhealing ulcer under the first metatarsal head and a necrotic tip of the great toe. He has been under the direction of a wound care clinic for 4 months, and has had orthotics and shoe wear changes. What objective findings are indicative of the patient's ability to heal the wound postoperatively?
Explanation
Question 24
A 23-year-old college basketball player reports persistent lateral ankle pain after sustaining an inversion injury 6 months ago. Examination reveals pain over the anterolateral ankle, absence of swelling, and no clinical instability. Management consisting of vigorous physical therapy fails to provide relief, and a intra-articular corticosteroid injection provides only temporary relief. Radiographs obtained at the time of injury and subsequent AP and varus stress views are normal. A recent MRI scan fails to show any abnormalities. Management should now include
Explanation
Question 25
A 21-year-old man has had progressive right knee pain for the past 2 months that is exacerbated with weight-bearing activities. A plain radiograph and an MRI scan are shown in Figures 43a and 43b. A biopsy specimen is shown in Figure 43c. According to the Enneking staging system of tumor classification, the lesion should be classified as what stage?

Explanation
Question 26
Decreased activity of which of the following proteins may be predictive of an aggressive soft-tissue sarcoma?
Explanation
Question 27
Which of the following best describes the most common anatomic variation seen in the glenoid labrum and the middle glenohumeral ligament in the anterosuperior quadrant of the shoulder??
Explanation
Question 28
The radiograph shown in Figure 27 shows measurement of what angle?

Explanation
Question 29
A 17-year-old girl with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease reports the development of progressive instability when walking on uneven surfaces. Her involved heel is positioned in varus when viewed from behind. Examination reveals that she walks on the outer border of the involved foot. She has full passive motion of the ankle and hindfoot joints. She is able to dorsiflex the ankle against resistance. The heel varus fully corrects with the Coleman block test. Standing radiographs reveal a cavus deformity with valgus of the forefoot. She would like to avoid using an ankle-foot orthosis. What is the best surgical option?

Explanation
Question 30
Figure 22 reveals what anatomic variant of the lumbar spine?

Explanation
Question 31
A 25-year-old man has ankle instability and a lateral foot callosity. Radiographs are shown in Figures 49a through 49c. Management options are best determined by the

Explanation
Question 32
The great medullary artery, also known as the Adamkiewicz artery, originates from which of the following arteries?
Explanation
Question 33
During a posterior approach to the right Achilles tendon, the surgeon encounters a nerve running with the small saphenous vein as shown in Figure 22. This nerve innervates what part of the foot?

Explanation
Question 34
Which of the following substances makes up the majority by weight of the extracellular matrix for articular cartilage?
Explanation
Question 35
Figures 3a and 3b show the MRI scans of a patient with neck pain. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Explanation
Question 36
Which of the following is considered the most common complication of the impaction grafting technique for femoral revision surgery?
Explanation
Question 37
A 25-year-old woman has had continuous pain after falling on her outstretched wrist 12 weeks ago. A current radiograph is shown in Figure 11. Management should consist of

Explanation
Question 38
Figure 29 shows the AP radiograph of a 14-year-old boy. The radiographic findings are most consistent with what pathologic process?

Explanation
Question 39
A 4-year-old girl sustains an isolated spiral femoral fracture after falling from her tricycle. Management should consist of

Explanation
Question 40
Figure 16 shows the radiograph of a 23-year-old man who has severe right shoulder pain after his motorcyle hit a bridge guardrail. He is neurologically intact. Nonsurgical management will most likely result in

Explanation
Question 41
A 24-year-old man has had pain in the left knee for the past several months. He reports that initially the pain was associated with weight-bearing activities, but it has now become more constant. He denies any swelling but reports a lateral fullness at the tibial plateau. Figures 23a through 23e show radiographs, a bone scan, and T1- and T2-weighted MRI scans. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Explanation
Question 42
Which of the following processes does not account for decreased hematopoiesis in patients with metastatic disease?
Explanation
Question 43
A 9-year-old girl reports the immediate onset of severe groin pain and the inability to walk after tripping on a curb. Examination reveals marked hip pain with passive range of motion. A radiograph is shown in Figure 21. Regardless of treatment, what is the most common complication following this injury?

Explanation
Question 44
A 7-year-old girl has had a painful forearm for the past 2 months. Examination reveals fullness on the volar aspect of the forearm. Radiographs and an MRI scan are shown in Figures 42a through 42c. Biopsy specimens are shown in Figures 42d and 42e. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Explanation
Question 45
A 45-year-old man reports right shoulder pain with overhead activities only. Figures 47a through 47d show the radiographs, bone scan, and MRI scan of a lesion of the proximal shoulder. What is the most appropriate treatment?

Explanation
Question 46
When harvesting iliac crest bone graft during a posterior spinal decompression and fusion, injury to which of the following nerves may result in painful neuromas or numbness over the skin of the buttocks?
Explanation
Question 47
The lateral arm flap is based on what arterial supply?
Explanation
Question 48
A newborn with bilateral talipes equinovarus undergoes serial manipulation and casting. What is the primary goal of manipulation?

Explanation
Question 49
What is the known manner in which the growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor-I (GH-IGF-I) system functions to stimulate bone growth?
Explanation
Question 50
A 7-year-old boy is seen in the emergency department with an isolated and displaced supracondylar humerus fracture and absent radial and ulnar pulses. Despite a moderately painful attempt at realignment, examination reveals that his hand remains pulseless. What is the next most appropriate step in management?

Explanation
Question 51
Figure 1 shows the radiograph of a 60-year-old woman who underwent a previous operation for great toe pain 20 years ago. She has had increasing pain over the past 5 years and now reports pain with any motion, swelling, and clicking. She also reports pain under the ball of foot. What is the most appropriate management to alleviate her metatarsalgia and great toe pain?

Explanation
Question 52
Which of the following surgical devices employed for stabilization of the sternoclavicular joint is associated with the highest incidence of life-threatening complications?

Explanation
Question 53
A farmer is seen in the emergency department after falling out of a hay loft onto the barn floor below. He is unable to bear weight. Exploration of a 0.5 cm laceration over the anterior tibia reveals bone. Radiographs reveal oblique displaced midshaft tibial and fibular fractures. Based on these findings, what is the most appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis?
Explanation
Question 54
What is the reported failure rate for surgical treatment of a Morton's neuroma?

Explanation
Question 55
Based on the findings seen at C5-6 in Figure 30, the most likely deficit for this patient will be weakness of the

Explanation
Question 56
An otherwise healthy 45-year-old man has a 3-cm subcutaneous mass on his anterior thigh that is presumed to be a lipoma. Removal of the mass is performed in the office of his primary care physician. Pathologic evaluation shows a high-grade malignant fibrous histiocytoma. Staging reveals no evidence of metastatic disease. Management at this time should consist of
Explanation
Question 57
Osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum is a source of elbow pain and most commonly occurs in what patient population?
Explanation
Question 58
An 18-year-old collegiate basketball player has had a 3-month history of activity-related back pain. She describes isolated low back pain without radiation that increases with training and playing basketball. Her pain resolves with rest. Physical therapy for 6 weeks has failed to provide relief. An axial CT scan is shown in Figure 17a, and Figures 17b and 17c show sagittal CT reconstructions through the right and left lumbar facets, respectively. Further management should consist of which of the following?

Explanation
Question 59
Figures 32a and 32b show the AP and lateral radiographs of an 11-year-old boy who has a severe limp, a fever, and swelling and tenderness of the thigh. Aspiration of the bone reveals purulent material. The patient has most likely been symptomatic for

Explanation
Question 60
An adult patient with a grade I isthmic spondylolisthesis at L5-S1 is most likely to have weakness of the

Explanation
Question 61
The third plantar intrinsic muscle layer of the foot consists of which of the following structures?
Explanation
Question 62
Which of the following complications is more likely with an inside-out repair technique compared to an all-inside techniques for a medial meniscus tear?

Explanation
Question 63
A 32-year-old amateur bowler has progressive pain in the lateral aspect of the proximal forearm and elbow. Nonsurgical management consisting of a tennis elbow brace, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and activity modification has failed to provide relief. Examination reveals tenderness in the lateral aspect of the proximal forearm and exacerbation of symptoms with resisted finger extension. Radiographs of the elbow reveal no abnormalities. Which of the following studies will aid in diagnosis?
Explanation
Question 64
A 21-year-old collegiate pitcher has had pain in his dominant shoulder for the past 3 months despite management consisting of rest, rehabilitation, and an analysis of throwing mechanics. An arthroscopic photograph from the posterior portal is shown in Figure 10. The biceps anchor to the bone was not detached to probing. Treatment of the lesion to the left of the cannula should consist of arthroscopic

Explanation
Question 65
An 80-year-old woman notes a painless mass posterior to her left knee. MRI scans are shown in Figures 31a and 31b. What is the best course of action?

Explanation
Question 66
A study was conducted in 500 patients to measure the effectiveness of a new growth factor in reducing healing time of distal radial fractures. The authors reported that average healing time was reduced from 9.2 to 8.9 weeks (P < 0.0001). Because the difference was highly statistically significant, they recommended routine clinical use of this drug despite its high cost. A more appropriate interpretation of these results is that they are
Explanation
Question 67
What is the most significant factor affecting long-term survival for a patient with bone sarcoma?

Explanation
Question 68
A 51-year-old woman is seen for evaluation of chronic supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendon tears. Three years ago, in an attempted repair the surgeon was unable to repair the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendon tears. Currently she has a marked amount of pain, reduced range of motion, and weakness. Examination reveals anterosuperior escape. Radiographs show no signs of arthritic changes. You are considering a latissimus dorsi tendon transfer. During the discussion, you mention that
Explanation
Question 69
A large circumferential proximal femoral allograft is to be used in the reconstruction of a failed femoral component in a total hip arthroplasty. To enhance fixation of the graft to the implant, which of the following strategies should be used?
Explanation
Question 70
What is the most common complication of halo vest immobilization in adults?
Explanation
Question 71
What is the most frequent complication of percutaneous repair of an acute Achilles tendon rupture?

Explanation
Question 72
Which of the following statements about injury of the anterior vascular structures during lumbar disk surgery is true?
Explanation
Question 73
A 60-year-old woman reports a painful hip arthroplasty after undergoing surgery 18 months ago. Radiographs show stable cementless implants without signs of ingrowth. Laboratory studies show an erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 50 mm/h. Management should now consist of
Explanation
Question 74
A 40-year-old man has a palpable mass over the dorsum of the ankle. He reports no history of direct trauma but notes that he sustained a laceration to the middle of his leg 6 weeks ago. Examination reveals a 4-cm x 1-cm mass. T1- and T2-weighted MRI scans are shown in Figures 12a and 12b. An intraoperative photograph and biopsy specimen are shown in Figures 12c and 12d. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Explanation
Question 75
Which of the following is considered the best method to measure limb-length discrepancy in a patient with a knee flexion contracture?

Explanation
Question 76
Figures 5a and 5b show the radiograph and MRI scan of a patient who has severe mechanical neck pain but no neurologic problems. Biopsy and work-up show the lesion to be a solitary plasmacytoma. Treatment should consist of

Explanation
Question 77
A 22-year-old swimmer underwent thermal capsulorrhaphy treatment for recurrent anterior subluxation. Following 3 weeks in a sling, an accelerated rehabilitation program allowed him to return to swimming in 3 1/2 months. While practicing the butterfly stroke, he sustained an anterior dislocation. He now continues to have symptoms of anterior instability and has elected to have further surgery. Surgical findings may include a

Explanation
Question 78
Which of the following procedures is not part of the routine evaluation of a patient with suspected metastatic disease to bone?

Explanation
Question 79
Which of the following tendons is the primary antagonist of the posterior tibialis tendon?

Explanation
Question 80
A fracture of the radial head is surgically exposed using a posterolateral approach to the elbow. Once the radial head is exposed, how should the arm be positioned to best protect the posterior interosseous nerve from injury?
Explanation
Question 81
What is the most common bacteria cultured from dog and cat bites to the upper extremity?
Explanation
Question 82
The Lisfranc ligament connects the base of the

Explanation
Question 83
A 64-year-old man with a history of metastatic lung cancer reports increasing right hip pain over the period of several months. Radiographs are shown in Figures 3a and 3b. Initial management should consist of

Explanation
Question 84
Which of the following is considered the most useful screening method for the evaluation of protective foot sensation in a patient with diabetes mellitus?
Explanation
Question 85
A 7-year-old boy sustained a 2-cm laceration to the anterior aspect of his left knee after falling on a rock. Examination reveals that the joint surface is not visible through the wound. Radiographs show no evidence of a foreign body or free air in the joint. Management should consist of

Explanation
Question 86
Figure 43 shows the lateral radiograph of a 12-year-old boy with mild osteogenesis imperfecta who injured his left elbow after pushing his brother. Treatment should consist of

Explanation
Question 87
Figure 43 shows the lateral radiograph of a patient who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Based on the tunnel placement shown in the radiograph, evaluation of postoperative knee range of motion will most likely show

Explanation
Question 88
The cavovarus deformity associated with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is caused by which of the following?
Explanation
Question 89
A 27-year-old woman with Down syndrome has a severe bunion with pain and deformity in the left forefoot. Nonsurgical management has failed to provide relief. She does not use any assistive ambulatory devices. A radiograph is shown in Figure 21. Treatment should now consist of

Explanation
Question 90
In the treatment of ankle fractures, the superficial peroneal nerve is most commonly injured by

Explanation
Question 91
A 65-year-old man with ankylosing spondylitis sustains an extension injury to his cervical spine. Two days later, a progressive neurologic deficit develops at the C6 level. An MRI scan is shown in Figure 1. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Explanation
Question 92
Staphylococcus aureus develops methicillin resistance through production of which of the following agents?
Explanation
Question 93
Which of the following is the preferred treatment for symptomatic localized pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) of the knee?

Explanation
Question 94
The usual presentation of traumatic subscapularis tears is most often seen after forced

Explanation
Question 95
A 24-year-old woman has a spleen laceration and hypotension. Radiographs reveal a pulmonary contusion and a displaced mid-diaphyseal fracture of the femur. The trauma surgeon clears her for stabilization of the femoral fracture. What technique will offer the least potential for initial complications?

Explanation
Question 96
A 45-year-old man reports that he awoke 2 weeks ago with severe pain in his right arm. Examination reveals weakness in the biceps, brachialis, and wrist extensors. There is decreased sensation in the thumb and index finger and a diminished brachioradialis reflex. Assuming this patient has a posterolateral herniated nucleus pulposus, what level is involved?

Explanation
Question 97
A 22-year-old college quarterback is tackled and sustains a reducible first carpometacarpal dislocation. What is the recommended treatment?
Explanation
Question 98
A 12-year-old boy reports knee discomfort after prolonged strenuous activities. He denies knee swelling or catching and has no pain with activities of daily living. A radiograph is shown in Figure 4. Prognosis for the pathology shown is most influenced by

Explanation
Question 99
A 10-year-old boy with an L1 myelomeningocele has a low-grade fever and a swollen thigh that is warm to touch and erythematous. AP and lateral radiographs are shown in Figures 24a and 24b. Management should consist of

Explanation
Question 100
Figures 23a and 23b show the MRI scans of a 50-year-old woman who has increasing gait disturbance. She reports three falls in the past week. Examination reveals hyperreflexia, motor weakness in the biceps and triceps, and a positive Hoffman's sign. What is the most appropriate treatment plan?

Explanation
🔗 Read the comprehensive guide: 100 Random Orthopedic MCQs for Board Prep (2026 Update)