Joints, Ligaments and Applied Biomechanics MCQs

Anatomy · 34 free questions with answers & explanations.

1. During anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, the classic valgus-flexion-external rotation mechanism of the knee is associated with the O'Donoghue 'unhappy triad'. Which three structures are injured?
2. The iliofemoral (Y-shaped ligament of Bigelow) is the strongest ligament of the hip joint. It resists which movement most powerfully?
3. The calcaneofibular ligament is torn in a higher grade of lateral ankle sprain than the anterior talofibular ligament. Which of the following tests specifically assesses calcaneofibular ligament integrity?
4. The carpal tunnel contains the tendons of which muscles along with the median nerve?
5. During anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture, the classic triad of injury (unhappy triad) involves which three structures?
6. The flexion-extension axis of the knee joint passes through which anatomical landmark used as the reference for tibial osteotomy planning?
7. The superior tibiofibular joint is a synovial plane joint stabilized by anterior and posterior tibiofibular ligaments. Excessive inversion ankle injuries may strain this joint because the fibular head moves in which direction when the foot inverts?
8. In the shoulder, the coracohumeral ligament primarily resists which movement, making it the key restraint against inferior humeral head translation when the arm is at the side?
9. The atlanto-axial joint complex includes three synovial joints. The median atlanto-axial joint is stabilized against excessive anterior displacement of the atlas (and resultant odontoid compression of the cord) primarily by the:
10. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is taut in which position of the knee and resists which specific movement?
11. During normal walking gait, which muscle group is primarily responsible for preventing contralateral pelvic drop (Trendelenburg mechanism)?
12. The carrying angle of the elbow is formed between which two axes and is larger in which sex?
13. The principal stabiliser of the medial side of the ankle joint against eversion stress is:
14. The screw-home mechanism of the knee joint during terminal extension involves which motion of the tibia relative to the femur?
15. Which ligament of the hip joint is most taut in hip extension and internal rotation, and is the most commonly injured during posterior hip dislocation?
16. The transverse carpal ligament (flexor retinaculum) forms the roof of the carpal tunnel and its distal attachment is to the:
17. During normal walking, which hip abductor muscle group prevents the contralateral side of the pelvis from dropping (Trendelenburg sign) during the single-leg stance phase?
18. The screw-home mechanism of the knee joint occurs during the final degrees of active knee extension and involves which movement?
19. The transverse ligament of the atlas (atlantoaxial joint) primarily restrains which movement, and its rupture (as in Down syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis) most endangers which structure?
20. The sacrospinous ligament converts the greater sciatic notch into the greater sciatic foramen. Which structure exits the greater sciatic foramen BELOW the piriformis muscle?
21. In a knee injury where the patient describes a 'pop' followed by pivot shift phenomenon (anterior subluxation of the lateral tibial plateau on the femur with extension and internal rotation), which primary restraint has been disrupted?
22. The transverse acetabular ligament converts the acetabular notch into a foramen, completing the acetabular rim. Which important neurovascular structure passes through this foramen into the joint?
23. The scapholunate ligament is the most commonly injured intrinsic carpal ligament. Its rupture leads to a characteristic radiographic finding on PA wrist X-ray. What is this finding?
24. In the biomechanics of the subtalar joint, which motion couples inversion of the foot with which movement of the tibial shaft?
25. During the 'screw home' mechanism of the knee joint, what motion occurs at the tibiofemoral joint at the end of full extension, and which muscle is responsible for 'unlocking' the knee to begin flexion?
26. The spring ligament (plantar calcaneonavicular ligament) is the primary static stabilizer for which part of the foot arch, and its rupture is the key pathology in adult acquired flatfoot?
27. The carrying angle of the elbow is approximately 5–7 degrees in males and 10–15 degrees in females. This angle is produced primarily by the obliquity of which articular surface?
28. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of the knee prevents which primary movement?
29. The 'unhappy triad' (O'Donoghue's triad) of knee injury classically involves rupture of which three structures?
30. During the stance phase of gait, the hip abductors (gluteus medius and minimus) are critical for pelvic stability. If the right gluteus medius is paralyzed, what gait abnormality results when the right foot is on the ground?
31. The scapholunate ligament is a critical stabilizer of the wrist. Its rupture most commonly leads to:
32. The 'close-packed position' of the knee joint (maximum ligamentous tautness and congruence) is:
33. The inferior tibiofibular joint is classified as what type of joint, and which ligament is most critical for ankle mortise stability?
34. The glenohumeral joint relies primarily on which structure (not the bony architecture) for static stability in the adducted arm at rest?