ABPS Hand Surgery & Upper Extremity Reconstruction

Question 1

Which nerve provides sensation to the palmar surface of the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and radial half of the ring finger?

Accepted Answer

Median nerve

Answer

The median nerve supplies palmar sensation to the thumb, index, middle, and radial half of the ring finger via its digital branches.

Question 2

In carpal tunnel syndrome, which thenar muscle most commonly shows atrophy due to median nerve compression?

Accepted Answer

Abductor pollicis brevis

Answer

Abductor pollicis brevis is exclusively innervated by the recurrent branch of the median nerve and is the earliest and most prominent muscle to atrophy in CTS.

Question 3

Verdan's Zone II of flexor tendon injuries, sometimes called 'no man's land,' is bounded by which anatomical landmarks?

Accepted Answer

A1 pulley to the FDS insertion at the middle phalanx

Answer

Zone II extends from the A1 pulley to the flexor digitorum superficialis insertion, where both FDS and FDP tendons run within a tight fibro-osseous sheath, making repair technically challenging.

Question 4

The Moberg advancement flap used for thumb tip reconstruction is based on which vascular pedicle?

Accepted Answer

Bilateral neurovascular bundles of the thumb

Answer

The Moberg flap is a volar advancement flap based on both digital neurovascular bundles of the thumb, providing sensate coverage of the thumb tip.

Question 5

What is the initial treatment of choice for a closed mallet finger injury without significant volar subluxation of the distal phalanx?

Accepted Answer

Continuous DIP joint extension splinting for 6–8 weeks

Answer

Closed mallet finger without volar subluxation is managed conservatively with continuous DIP extension splinting for 6–8 weeks, which reliably restores extensor continuity.

(ABPS) Certified American Board of Plastic Surgery Practice Test

(ABPS) Certified American Board of Plastic Surgery Practice Test

ABPS Hand Surgery & Upper Extremity Reconstruction