Free practice question 3 of 20 · Basic science
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.
A 72-year-old woman with a fragility fracture of the distal radius is started on denosumab. The drug reproduces the action of a protein that osteoblasts secrete to restrain bone resorption.
Which endogenous molecule does denosumab mimic?
Topic guide
Basic science: what the exam tests
Syllabus coverage, high-yield themes and the common traps.
Free article
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.
Free article
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.
Create a free account with Google and go straight into the sample bank, today's Daily Five and your readiness dashboard. No card required.