Lower Limb

Topics in this chapter

• Lower Limb Osteology and Joints
• Hip, Gluteal, and Posterior Thigh
• Anterior Thigh and Femoral Triangle
• Knee Joint and Popliteal Fossa
• Lower Limb Nerves and Entrapment
• Foot and Ankle Anatomy
• Gait and Lower Limb Biomechanics

Practice questions

1. Question 1Q-EA3818

   A 35-year-old male presents with a deep stab wound to the posterior aspect of his right thigh. Examination reveals an inability to flex the leg at the knee joint and loss of sensation over the lateral and posterior aspects of the leg and the entire foot. Which of the following nerve roots primarily contribute to the motor and sensory functions lost in this patient?

   1. A.L1, L2, L3
   2. B.L3, L4, L5
   3. C.L4, L5, S1, S2, S3
   4. D.S2, S3, S4
   See the answer and solution
2. Question 2Q-888968

   During a routine sports physical, a 22-year-old female athlete is tested for dynamic knee stability. When the examiner pulls the tibia anteriorly while the knee is flexed at 90 degrees, excessive forward movement of the tibia is observed. This positive clinical test indicates a tear of which of the following intracapsular ligaments?

   1. A.Anterior cruciate ligament
   2. B.Posterior cruciate ligament
   3. C.Fibular collateral ligament
   4. D.Transverse ligament of the knee
   See the answer and solution
3. Question 3Q-4D6967

   A 45-year-old chronic alcoholic presents with severe burning pain along the medial side of his right foot and ankle, which worsens with prolonged standing and running. Physical therapy assessment shows tenderness just posterior to the medial malleolus, radiating into the sole. Entrapment of which of the following structures within the tarsal tunnel is most likely responsible for this patient's symptoms?

   1. A.Saphenous nerve
   2. B.Tibial nerve
   3. C.Sural nerve
   4. D.Deep fibular nerve
   See the answer and solution
4. Question 4Q-82686F

   A 50-year-old man undergoes radical lymph node dissection of the femoral triangle for malignant melanoma of the lower limb. Postoperatively, he experiences marked weakness in extending the leg at the knee joint and complete loss of cutaneous sensation over the anterior thigh and medial side of the leg down to the foot. Which nerve was most likely injured?

   1. A.Obturator nerve
   2. B.Femoral nerve
   3. C.Superior gluteal nerve
   4. D.Common fibular nerve
   See the answer and solution
5. Question 5Q-D755F2

   A 28-year-old rock climber falls and sustains a fracture of the neck of the fibula. Upon physical examination, the patient cannot dorsiflex the foot, cannot evert the foot, and exhibits a 'steppage' gait. Sensation is lost over the anterolateral leg and the dorsum of the foot. Which nerve has been injured?

   1. A.Tibial nerve
   2. B.Common fibular (peroneal) nerve
   3. C.Obturator nerve
   4. D.Saphenous nerve
   See the answer and solution