ABFAS Clinical Procedures and Protocols 4

Question 1

Which incision approach is preferred for open repair of an acute Achilles tendon rupture to minimize wound complications?

Accepted Answer

Posteromedial longitudinal

Answer

A posteromedial longitudinal incision avoids the sural nerve and lateral watershed skin zone, reducing risk of wound breakdown and infection.

Question 2

When treating plantar fasciitis surgically, how much of the plantar fascia is recommended for release to avoid iatrogenic flatfoot?

Accepted Answer

No more than 50% of the medial band

Answer

Releasing more than 50% of the plantar fascia risks destabilizing the arch and creating iatrogenic flatfoot deformity.

Question 3

A surgeon performs a Weil osteotomy for metatarsalgia. In which direction is the metatarsal head translated?

Accepted Answer

Proximally and dorsally

Answer

The Weil osteotomy shifts the metatarsal head proximally and dorsally, reducing plantar pressure under the affected metatarsal.

Question 4

Which electrosurgical modality cuts tissue with minimal lateral thermal spread, making it preferred for delicate dissection near neurovascular structures?

Accepted Answer

Bipolar electrosurgery

Answer

Bipolar electrosurgery passes current between two closely spaced electrode tips, limiting thermal spread to adjacent tissues.

Question 5

In a Lapidus arthrodesis, which two joints are fused?

Accepted Answer

First TMT and first cuneiform-navicular joint

Answer

The Lapidus procedure fuses the first tarsometatarsal joint and, classically, also the first cuneiform-navicular joint to correct hypermobility-driven hallux valgus.

(ABFAS) American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery Practice Test

(ABFAS) American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery Practice Test

ABFAS Clinical Procedures and Protocols 4