Free practice question 1 of 20 · Upper limb & breast
An original single best answer question in the style of the MRCS Part A paper, with the answer and a referenced explanation. Pick an answer to reveal it, then rate how sure you were.
A 45-year-old man has anterior shoulder pain after a fall. He cannot lift the dorsum of the hand away from the lumbar spine when the arm is placed behind the back, and passive external rotation of the shoulder is increased compared with the other side.
Which structure is most likely injured?
Topic guide
Upper limb & breast: what the exam tests
Syllabus coverage, high-yield themes and the common traps.
Free article
Brachial plexus anatomy: roots to branches, and the nerve lesions that follow
Brachial plexus for MRCS Part A with a 3D model: roots, trunks, divisions, cords and branches, Erb's and Klumpke's palsies and the classic nerve lesions.
Free article
Carpal tunnel and wrist anatomy: the flexor retinaculum, nine tendons, six compartments and the snuffbox
Wrist anatomy for MRCS Part A with a 3D cross-section: flexor retinaculum, carpal tunnel contents, Guyon's canal, the six extensor compartments and snuffbox.
Free article
The axilla and breast lymphatics: walls, contents, node levels and the nerves at risk
Axilla anatomy for MRCS Part A: walls and contents, the three parts of the axillary artery, node groups and levels, breast lymph drainage and nerves at risk.
Interactive 3D
Shoulder & rotator cuff
The right shoulder from behind: the scapula, clavicle and humerus with supraspinatus, infraspinatus and teres minor inserting on the greater tuberosity. Subscapularis lies on the front of the scapula.
Interactive 3D
Brachial plexus
The brachial plexus from roots to terminal branches: C5–T1 roots, the upper, middle and lower trunks, anterior and posterior divisions, the lateral, posterior and medial cords, and the nerves each gives off.
Create a free account with Google and go straight into the sample bank, today's Daily Five and your readiness dashboard. No card required.