Orthopedic Anatomy 2026 MCQs: Board Review Questions & Answers (Part 4)

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Orthopedic Anatomy 2026 MCQs: Board Review Questions & Answers (Part 4)
Comprehensive 100-Question Exam
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Question 1
Figure 42 is a transverse MRI scan of the left shoulder. The arrow points to which of the following structures?
Explanation
Question 2
Within the menisci, the majority of the large collagen fiber bundles are oriented in what configuration?
Explanation
Question 3
For halo traction, what is the preferred site for anterior pin placement?
Explanation
Question 4
A 12-year-old boy has had progressive pain and flatfeet for the past year. Pain is increased with weight-bearing activities. Examination reveals that subtalar motion is absent. On standing, the patient has obvious hindfoot valgus and loss of the normal arch bilaterally. Plain radiographs are shown in Figures 43a through 43c, and a CT scan is shown in Figure 43d. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Explanation
Question 5
When performing ankle arthroscopy through the anterolateral portal, what anatomic structure is at greatest risk?
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Question 6
Figure 44 shows the AP radiograph of the hip of a patient who underwent screw fixation of the acetabulum. Which of the following structures is at least risk for injury during screw placement in the acetabular component?
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Question 7
Figure 45 shows the lateral radiograph of a 19-year-old swimmer who has had back pain for the past 2 months. What is the most likely diagnosis?
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Question 8
Figure 46 shows the AP radiograph of a patient with right shoulder pain. What is the most likely diagnosis?
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Question 9
The main arterial supply to the humeral head is provided by which of the following arteries?
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Question 10
Figure 47 shows a transverse MRI scan of a patient's left shoulder. The findings reveal which of the following abnormalities?
Explanation
Question 11
An 18-year-old man sustains an injury to the right brachial plexus after falling off his bicycle. Examination reveals no rhomboideus major or minor muscle function. This finding most likely indicates a preganglionic injury to which of the following nerve roots?
Explanation
Question 12
A 53-year-old man with a history of severe left hip pain has a significant limp that is the result of a 5-cm limb-length discrepancy. An AP radiograph is shown in Figure 48. The underlying etiology is most likely related to a history of
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Question 13
Where does the median nerve pass in the proximal forearm?
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Question 14
The vascularity of the digital flexor tendons is significantly richer in what cross-sectional region?
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Question 15
Figures 49a and 49b show MRI scans of the shoulder. What is the most likely diagnosis?
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Question 16
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?
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Question 17
Figure 50 shows the MRI scan of a 20-year-old female college soccer player with knee pain. What is the most likely diagnosis?
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Question 18
The tibiofibular overlap used to diagnose syndesmotic diastasis on an AP view is most commonly measured between the
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Question 19
Figures 51a and 51b show subluxation of the
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Question 20
The so-called high ankle sprain from an external rotation mechanism of injury typically involves injury to which of the following structures?
Explanation
Question 21
In the first dorsal compartment of the wrist, what tendon most frequently contains multiple slips?
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Question 22
The preferred surgical approach to the elbow of a child with an irreducible type III supracondylar distal humerus fracture and pulseless extremity is through which of the following muscle intervals?
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Question 23
A 48-year-old man has recurrent right knee pain. Figure 52a shows the sagittal proton density T2-weighted MRI scan, and Figure 52b shows the sagittal T2-weighted MRI scan at the same level. The arrow is pointing to a
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Question 24
Figure 53 shows a thoracolumbar specimen as viewed from posterior to anterior following removal of all posterior elements. Which of the following structures does the red string pass under?
Explanation
Question 25
A 5-year-old girl sustained a comminuted Salter-Harris type IV fracture of the left distal tibia 2 years ago. The AP radiograph shown in Figure 54a reveals a growth arrest and a 1.4-cm limb-length discrepancy. The ankle is in approximately 20 degrees of varus. Figure 54b shows a coronal reconstruction image of the distal tibial physis, and Figure 54c shows a sagittal reconstruction image of the same area. On the sagittal reconstruction image, the bar extends from the 9-mm mark to the 24-mm mark in 3-mm increments. On the coronal image, the bar extends from the 9-mm mark to the 24-mm mark, also in 3-mm increments. A map of the physeal bar based on these measurements is shown in Figure 54d. Initial treatment should consist of
Explanation
Question 26
A 45-year-old carpenter presents with inability to make an "OK" sign with his right hand, demonstrating an extended distal interphalangeal joint of the index finger and interphalangeal joint of the thumb. Which of the following muscles is primarily denervated in this patient?
Explanation
Question 27
During a posterolateral approach to the ankle for a posterior malleolus fracture, the sural nerve is at risk. Which of the following correctly describes the typical anatomical course of the sural nerve relative to the Achilles tendon and lateral malleolus?
Explanation
Question 28
A surgeon is performing a standard deltopectoral approach to the shoulder. Which of the following best defines the internervous plane utilized in this approach?
Explanation
Question 29
A 22-year-old male sustains a proximal pole scaphoid fracture. Which of the following anatomical features best explains the high rate of avascular necrosis and nonunion in this specific region?
Explanation
Question 30
During a posterior (Kocher-Langenbeck) approach to the hip, protection of the main blood supply to the femoral head is critical. The deep branch of the medial femoral circumflex artery (MFCA) courses between which two muscles?
Explanation
Question 31
A patient undergoes T8 pedicle screw placement for a burst fracture. Postoperative CT shows a medial breach of the left T8 pedicle screw. Which structure is at highest immediate risk from this specific breach trajectory?
Explanation
Question 32
A 19-year-old collegiate baseball pitcher requires ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction. The primary restraint to valgus stress at 30 to 90 degrees of elbow flexion is the anterior bundle. Where does this bundle anatomically originate?
Explanation
Question 33
In evaluating a severe midfoot sprain, the integrity of the Lisfranc ligament is crucial. This primary stabilizing ligament connects which two osseous structures?
Explanation
Question 34
A 30-year-old patient presents with knee instability. The dial test demonstrates increased external rotation at 30 degrees of knee flexion compared to the contralateral side, but symmetric rotation at 90 degrees. Which structure(s) are isolatedly injured?
Explanation
Question 35
A patient suffers a full-thickness laceration over the volar wrist, transecting the median nerve proximal to the carpal tunnel. Which of the intrinsic hand muscles will lose their innervation as a direct result of this injury?
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Question 36
An MRI of the shoulder reveals a paralabral cyst compressing the suprascapular nerve strictly at the spinoglenoid notch. Which physical exam finding is most likely to be isolated in this patient?
Explanation
Question 37
During an anterior intrapelvic (Stoppa) approach for an acetabular fracture, life-threatening hemorrhage occurs from an avulsed vascular anastomosis bridging over the superior pubic ramus. Which two vascular systems are connected by this "corona mortis"?
Explanation
Question 38
In a dorsal surgical approach to the distal radius, Lister's tubercle serves as a critical anatomical landmark. Which tendon utilizes this bony prominence as a mechanical pulley to change its line of pull?
Explanation
Question 39
A 13-year-old sustains a juvenile Tillaux fracture of the ankle. The specific mechanism involves an avulsion of the anterolateral distal tibial epiphysis. Which ligament is responsible for the avulsive force causing this fracture pattern?
Explanation
Question 40
A 35-year-old competitive weightlifter presents with vague posterior shoulder pain and paresthesias over the lateral deltoid, diagnosed as quadrangular space syndrome. What are the correct anatomical boundaries of this space?
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Question 41
A patient presents with radiating arm pain, diminished biceps reflex, and weakness in wrist extension. MRI confirms a posterolateral disc herniation strictly at the C5-C6 level. Which nerve root is primarily compressed?
Explanation
Question 42
Histological analysis of an actively remodeling bone reveals multinucleated cells situated in Howship's lacunae. The specialized "ruffled border" of these cells, which facilitates bone resorption, is primarily formed by which structural elements?
Explanation
Question 43
A 24-year-old athlete is evaluated for exertional compartment syndrome of the lower leg. Manometry of the deep posterior compartment is performed. Which of the following structures is NOT located within this specific compartment?
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Question 44
During a regional block in the femoral triangle prior to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, the anesthesiologist identifies the vascular structures to avoid intravascular injection. What is the anatomical relationship of the femoral nerve to the femoral artery in this region?
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Question 45
In a patient undergoing an ulnar nerve transposition for cubital tunnel syndrome, the surgeon releases the retinacular band spanning the two heads of the flexor carpi ulnaris. This structure, known as Osborne's ligament, connects which two bony landmarks?
Explanation
Question 46
When performing an anterior (Smith-Petersen) approach to the hip, what is the superficial internervous plane utilized?
Explanation
Question 47
A 28-year-old overhead athlete presents with poorly localized shoulder pain and deltoid weakness. An MRI reveals atrophy of the teres minor. Entrapment of the involved nerve typically occurs within a space bounded medially by which of the following structures?
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Question 48
Following a displaced talar neck fracture, avascular necrosis of the talar body is a major concern. Which of the following vessels provides the predominant blood supply to the body of the talus?
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Question 49
A patient presents with an inability to extend the fingers at the metacarpophalangeal joints but maintains normal wrist extension with radial deviation. The nerve responsible for this deficit is most commonly compressed by which of the following structures?
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Question 50
During a surgical reconstruction of the posterolateral corner of the knee, the surgeon isolates the fibular collateral ligament. This structure attaches to the fibular head in close proximity to which of the following tendons?
Explanation
Question 51
A 45-year-old patient involved in a motor vehicle accident sustains a hyperflexion injury to the cervical spine. Imaging demonstrates widening of the atlanto-dental interval. The alar ligaments, which stabilize the upper cervical spine, primarily function to limit which of the following movements?
Explanation
Question 52
A cyclist presents with numbness and tingling in the small and ring fingers, along with weakness in finger abduction. Entrapment of the affected nerve is suspected within a canal bounded radially by which of the following carpal bones?
Explanation
Question 53
The Lisfranc ligament is critical for midfoot stability. Which of the following describes its precise anatomical attachment?
Explanation
Question 54
During an ilioinguinal approach for an acetabular fracture, the surgeon must identify and ligate the corona mortis to prevent massive hemorrhage. This structure typically represents an anastomosis between the obturator vessels and which of the following systems?
Explanation
Question 55
When performing a medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy, a retractor is placed carefully along the posterior tibial cortex to protect neurovascular structures. Which of the following vessels is at greatest risk of injury during the posterolateral cortical cut?
Explanation
Question 56
During a posterolateral approach to the tibial plateau, an osteotomy of the fibular head may be performed for extended access. Which of the following nerves is at greatest risk during this maneuver, and where is it typically located?
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Question 57
A surgeon utilizes the volar (Henry) approach to expose the proximal third of the radius. To achieve this, the supinator muscle must be mobilized. Which nerve is at risk during this step, and what is its relationship to the muscle?
Explanation
Question 58
A 28-year-old volleyball player presents with insidious onset of posterior shoulder pain and weakness. Examination reveals isolated external rotation weakness with the arm at the side and visible atrophy of the infraspinatus. Supraspinatus strength is normal. Where is the most likely site of nerve compression?
Explanation
Question 59
During an anterior (Smith-Petersen) approach to the hip, the superficial internervous plane utilized is between the sartorius and the tensor fasciae latae. What is the innervation of these two muscles, respectively?
Explanation
Question 60
During the ilioinguinal approach to the acetabulum, severe hemorrhage can occur if the corona mortis is inadvertently injured. The corona mortis is an anastomotic vascular connection between which two systems?
Explanation
Question 61
A 35-year-old man sustains a displaced talar neck fracture. Which of the following provides the primary blood supply to the body of the talus, placing it at high risk for avascular necrosis in this injury?
Explanation
Question 62
A 40-year-old overhead athlete presents with vague posterior shoulder pain and paresthesias over the lateral deltoid. MRI demonstrates a paralabral cyst compressing the quadrilateral space. Which nerve and artery pass through this anatomical space?
Explanation
Question 63
During surgical release of de Quervain's tenosynovitis, the surgeon must carefully identify and release the first dorsal extensor compartment. To prevent painful neuroma formation, which nerve must be protected as it courses directly over this compartment?
Explanation
Question 64
During anterior ankle arthroscopy, the anterocentral portal is generally avoided due to the high risk of injury to which of the following structures?
Explanation
Question 65
When decompressing the ulnar nerve at the elbow for cubital tunnel syndrome, the surgeon must trace its course into the forearm. The ulnar nerve enters the forearm by passing between the two heads of which muscle?
Explanation
Question 66
A patient sustains a posterior knee dislocation resulting in suspected vascular compromise. When exploring the popliteal fossa, what is the normal anatomical arrangement of the major neurovascular structures from superficial (posterior) to deep (anterior)?
Explanation
Question 67
During surgical release for tarsal tunnel syndrome, the flexor retinaculum is divided. What is the correct order of structures within the tarsal tunnel from anterior to posterior?
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Question 68
A surgeon uses a two-incision technique for a distal biceps tendon repair. During the posterolateral approach to secure the tendon to the radial tuberosity, which nerve is at greatest risk if the arm is not maintained in maximal pronation?
Explanation
Question 69
In the standard deltopectoral approach to the shoulder, the cephalic vein is identified within the interval. To minimize bleeding from venous tributaries, the cephalic vein is ideally retracted in which direction?
Explanation
Question 70
During a lateral extensile approach for an intra-articular calcaneus fracture, the sural nerve is at risk of injury. Which of the following correctly describes the normal anatomical course of the sural nerve at the level of the ankle?
Explanation
Question 71
During an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) at C5-C6, the surgeon develops the interval between the carotid sheath laterally and the visceral midline structures medially. Which of the following structures is at greatest risk of injury if retractors are placed too deeply into the longus colli muscle or migrate laterally?
Explanation
Question 72
A 25-year-old overhead athlete presents with vague posterior shoulder pain and numbness over the lateral deltoid. MRI confirms isolated atrophy of the teres minor. Compression of the axillary nerve in the quadrilateral space is suspected. Which of the following anatomical structures forms the superior border of this space?
Explanation
Question 73
A hand surgeon is performing an ulnar nerve decompression at Guyon's canal for a patient with persistent intrinsic weakness. To completely decompress the deep motor branch of the ulnar nerve, the surgeon must trace the nerve as it dives between which of the following two muscles?
Explanation
Question 74
The medial circumflex femoral artery provides the primary blood supply to the adult femoral head. After originating from the deep profunda femoris, it consistently passes posteriorly between which two muscles?
Explanation
Question 75
During an anatomic reconstruction of the posterolateral corner (PLC) of the knee, accurate tunnel placement is essential. On which specific portion of the fibula does the popliteofibular ligament primarily attach?
Explanation
Question 76
A 45-year-old female undergoes midfoot surgery. During exploration of the deep plantar structures, the surgeon identifies the Master Knot of Henry. This key anatomical landmark represents the intersection of which two tendons?
Explanation
Question 77
When utilizing an ilioinguinal approach for an anterior column acetabular fracture, the surgeon must carefully expose and protect the corona mortis. This variable vascular anastomosis most commonly connects the obturator vessels with which of the following?
Explanation
Question 78
A patient undergoes plating for a midshaft humerus fracture via an anterolateral approach. At approximately what distance proximal to the lateral epicondyle does the radial nerve pierce the lateral intermuscular septum to transition from the posterior to the anterior compartment?
Explanation
Question 79
In thoracic pedicle screw placement, precise knowledge of pedicle morphology is critical to avoid spinal cord or vascular injury. Which of the following thoracic vertebrae typically exhibits the greatest medial angulation of the pedicle?
Explanation
Question 80
During a Smith-Petersen (anterior) approach to the hip for a core decompression, the surgeon develops both superficial and deep internervous planes. The deep internervous plane is located between which two muscles?
Explanation
Question 81
A 22-year-old runner requires a four-compartment fasciotomy for acute exertional compartment syndrome. Which of the following structures is entirely contained within the deep posterior compartment of the lower leg?
Explanation
Question 82
A surgeon utilizes the volar (Henry) approach to the forearm to perform open reduction and internal fixation of a proximal radius fracture. What muscle must be supinated and elevated off its ulnar origin to expose the proximal radius safely while protecting the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN)?
Explanation
Question 83
When evaluating an upper cervical spine MRI for atlantoaxial instability, the integrity of the transverse ligament is the primary focus. This ligament firmly attaches to which of the following osseous landmarks?
Explanation
Question 84
To safely establish a standard anterior portal during shoulder arthroscopy, a surgeon targets the rotator interval to minimize neurovascular injury. This anatomical interval is bounded superiorly by the anterior margin of the supraspinatus and inferiorly by which structure?
Explanation
Question 85
Posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI) of the elbow commonly occurs due to insufficiency of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL). What is the specific distal insertion site of the LUCL?
Explanation
Question 86
During a posterior lumbar spinal fusion, what is the standard anatomic landmark for the starting point of a pedicle screw?
Explanation
Question 87
The primary blood supply to the proximal pole of the scaphoid is derived from vessels entering at which of the following locations?
Explanation
Question 88
During an anterior ilioinguinal approach to the acetabulum, severe hemorrhage is encountered near the superior pubic ramus. This bleeding is most likely from an anastomotic vessel connecting which two vascular systems?
Explanation
Question 89
When performing a surgical reconstruction of the posterolateral corner (PLC) of the knee, the femoral footprint of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is located in which relation to the lateral epicondyle?
Explanation
Question 90
The superomedial calcaneonavicular (spring) ligament is a critical static stabilizer of the longitudinal arch. Which of the following tendons provides dynamic support by coursing directly plantar to this ligament?
Explanation
Question 91
When performing a lateral deltoid-splitting approach to the proximal humerus, the axillary nerve is at risk. On average, how far distal to the lateral acromial edge does the main trunk of the axillary nerve cross the humerus?
Explanation
Question 92
During a volar (Henry) approach to the proximal radius, supination of the forearm protects the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN). Supination achieves this by shifting the PIN in which direction relative to the surgical field?
Explanation
Question 93
The main blood supply to the adult femoral head is derived from the deep branch of the medial femoral circumflex artery (MFCA). This vessel crosses the posterior aspect of the hip joint in close proximity to which of the following structures?
Explanation
Question 94
A surgeon is performing an anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF). During lateral decompression, the vertebral artery is at risk. At which cervical level does the vertebral artery typically enter the transverse foramen?
Explanation
Question 95
In the surgical treatment of chronic exertional compartment syndrome, the lateral compartment of the leg is released. The superficial peroneal nerve exits the deep crural fascia to become subcutaneous at approximately what location?
Explanation
Question 96
A patient presents with weakness in shoulder abduction and external rotation following a traction injury. EMG reveals denervation isolated to the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles. Which of the following anatomic landmarks is the most frequent site of compression?
Explanation
Question 97
In a complete rupture of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint, a Stener lesion prevents conservative healing. This lesion occurs when the torn UCL becomes displaced superficial to the aponeurosis of which muscle?
Explanation
Question 98
The distal tibiofibular syndesmosis is stabilized by a complex of multiple ligaments. Based on biomechanical sectioning studies, which structure provides the greatest resistance to lateral displacement of the fibula?
Explanation
Question 99
In the flexor tendon pulley system of the fingers, which two annular pulleys are considered most critical to preserve or reconstruct during surgery to prevent tendon bowstringing?
Explanation
Question 100
The Lisfranc ligament is vital for the stability of the tarsometatarsal articulation. What are the specific bony attachments of this key ligament?
Explanation
None