ABOS Part I Comprehensive Review - Batch 26

Question 1

A 68-year-old female presents with a complex, comminuted intra-articular distal humerus fracture (AO/OTA 13-C3) after a fall. Pre-operative CT scans confirm significant articular involvement and displacement of both medial and lateral columns. The su

Accepted Answer

C. Olecranon osteotomy, as it provides the widest exposure of the distal humerus articular surface and trochlea.

Question 2

A 32-year-old male sustains a Mason Type III radial head fracture with associated posterolateral rotatory instability (terrible triad injury). Surgical intervention via the Kaplan anterolateral approach is planned. During the deep dissection phase, t

Accepted Answer

C. Posterior Interosseous Nerve (PIN); it passes between the superficial and deep heads of the supinator muscle.

Question 3

A 55-year-old male undergoes ORIF of a complex distal humerus fracture via a Kocher posterior approach with an olecranon osteotomy. Post-operatively, he develops a significant elbow flexion contracture despite aggressive physical therapy. After 9 mon

Accepted Answer

C. Prophylactic administration of NSAIDs (e.g., Indomethacin) or selective radiation therapy.

Question 4

A 40-year-old construction worker presents with chronic, severe lateral epicondylitis refractory to 9 months of conservative management, including rest, NSAIDs, physical therapy, and multiple steroid injections. Clinical examination reveals tendernes

Accepted Answer

C. Kaplan anterolateral approach.

Question 5

During a Kaplan anterolateral approach for a radial head fracture, the surgeon identifies the internervous plane. Which two muscles define the superficial internervous plane utilized in this approach, and what is their common innervation?

Accepted Answer

B. Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis (ECRB) and Extensor Digitorum Communis (EDC); Radial nerve.

Question 6

A 72-year-old female with severe osteoporosis presents with a comminuted olecranon fracture (Mayo Type III) requiring ORIF. The surgeon opts for a Kocher posterior approach with an olecranon osteotomy. During the closure phase, after fixation of the

Accepted Answer

C. Nonunion or hardware prominence/irritation of the osteotomy site.

Question 7

A 28-year-old male presents with a displaced, unstable radial head fracture (Mason Type II) after a fall onto an outstretched hand. The surgeon plans for ORIF via the Kaplan anterolateral approach. During pre-operative planning, which imaging modalit

Accepted Answer

C. Computed Tomography (CT) scan, often with 3D reconstructions.

Question 8

A 45-year-old male undergoes total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) for severe post-traumatic arthritis. The procedure is performed via a Kocher posterior approach. Post-operatively, the patient develops symptoms consistent with ulnar neuropathy, including n

Accepted Answer

B. Direct trauma or traction to the ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel; protected by identification, neurolysis, and potential anterior transposition.

Question 9

A 50-year-old male undergoes ORIF of a radial head fracture via the Kaplan anterolateral approach. The surgeon carefully identifies the internervous plane between the ECRB and EDC. Deep to these muscles, the supinator is encountered. To safely expose

Accepted Answer

C. Performing a subperiosteal dissection of the supinator from the lateral aspect of the radius, elevating it as a sleeve.

Question 10

A 60-year-old male undergoes ORIF of a complex distal humerus fracture via a Kocher posterior approach. Post-operatively, the surgeon emphasizes early controlled motion to prevent stiffness. However, the rehabilitation protocol must balance this with

Accepted Answer

C. Gentle, gravity-assisted passive range of motion within a stable, protected arc, avoiding stress on the triceps repair/osteotomy site.

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Key Takeaway