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Free practice question 1 of 20 · Basic science

Biomechanics & biomaterials (question 1): a free FRCS (Tr & Orth) Section 1 question

An original single best answer question in the style of the FRCS (Tr & Orth) Section 1 paper, with the answer and a referenced explanation. Pick an answer to reveal it, then rate how sure you were.

01Basic science·Biomechanics & biomaterials
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A surgeon is choosing between two solid titanium intramedullary nails for a femoral shaft fracture in a heavy patient. The nails are identical apart from their diameters of 10 mm and 12 mm.

The bending rigidity of a solid nail is proportional to its radius raised to which power?

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Basic science: what the exam tests

Syllabus coverage, high-yield themes and the common traps.

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The stress–strain curve and the material properties of orthopaedic biomaterials

The stress–strain curve for FRCS (Tr & Orth): Young’s modulus, yield, ultimate strength, toughness, fatigue and viscoelasticity, applied to metals, polyethylene, cement and ceramics.

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Fracture healing and Perren’s strain theory: absolute and relative stability

Primary and secondary bone healing, the stages of callus, Perren’s interfragmentary strain theory, and how to choose absolute or relative stability for a fracture.

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