Practice Test Geeks(ABFAS) American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery Practice Test
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ABFAS Pathology and Diagnosis Flashcards

6 cards from real ABFAS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 6 ABFAS Pathology and Diagnosis flashcards as text

  1. Which imaging modality is considered the gold standard for evaluating soft tissue infections and osteomyelitis of the foot?

    Answer: MRI

    MRI is the gold standard for evaluating soft tissue infections and osteomyelitis, providing superior soft tissue contrast and early detection of bone marrow changes.

  2. Onychomycosis (tinea unguium) of the toenail is most commonly caused by which organism?

    Answer: Trichophyton rubrum

    Trichophyton rubrum accounts for approximately 70–80% of onychomycosis cases, making it the most prevalent dermatophyte causing toenail fungal infections.

  3. Which clinical finding distinguishes a diabetic foot infection requiring hospitalization per the IDSA/IWGDF classification?

    Answer: Systemic signs of infection such as fever, leukocytosis, or hemodynamic instability (severe/moderate-severe infection)

    Systemic manifestations (fever >38°C, leukocytosis, tachycardia) or limb-threatening features define moderate-severe to severe diabetic foot infections requiring hospitalization per IDSA guidelines.

  4. The Coleman block test is used to assess what characteristic of a cavus foot deformity?

    Answer: Flexibility of the hindfoot varus

    The Coleman block test determines whether the hindfoot varus in a cavus foot is flexible (corrects when forefoot is offloaded) or rigid, guiding surgical planning.

  5. Acute gout most commonly affects which joint of the foot?

    Answer: First metatarsophalangeal joint

    Podagra—acute gout at the first metatarsophalangeal joint—is the most common presentation, occurring in approximately 50% of initial gout attacks.

  6. Which radiographic measurement is used to assess the severity of hallux rigidus?

    Answer: Joint space width and dorsal osteophyte size at the first MTP joint

    Hallux rigidus severity is graded radiographically by the degree of first MTP joint space narrowing, presence and size of dorsal/periarticular osteophytes, and subchondral sclerosis.