100+ Free Facharzt FMH Orthopädische Chirurgie Practice Questions
Prepare for the Facharzt FMH für Orthopädische Chirurgie und Traumatologie des Bewegungsapparates / Spécialiste FMH en chirurgie orthopédique et traumatologie de l'appareil locomoteur exam with instant access — no signup required.
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Key Facts: Facharzt FMH Orthopädische Chirurgie Exam
Swiss Orthopaedics / SIWF
Exam Body
Swiss Orthopaedics Society
5 parts (Basis + 3 Zwischen + Schluss)
Exam Format
SIWF Weiterbildungsprogramm 4.4
CHF 3'860
Total Exam Fees
SIWF / Swiss Orthopaedics / basisexamen.ch
EN written; DE/FR/IT oral
Exam Languages
SIWF Weiterbildungsprogramm 4.5.5
6 Years
Residency Duration
SIWF Orthopädie Curriculum
100
Practice Bank Items
OpenExamPrep
The Facharzt FMH Orthopädische Chirurgie certifies orthopaedic surgeons for independent surgical practice throughout Switzerland. Certification involves a 6-year residency, surgical logbook, and passing modular exams: Basisexamen Chirurgie, Zwischenprüfungen (Anatomie CHF 1'650, Kinder/Tumore CHF 370), and final Schlussprüfung (Teil 1 written CHF 550, Teil 2 oral CHF 690). This bank provides 100 high-yield English-language MCQ practice items covering arthroplasty, AO trauma, spine, sports, and oncology. Note: This is an English MCQ study adaptation, not an official exam simulation or clinical substitute.
Sample Facharzt FMH Orthopädische Chirurgie Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your Facharzt FMH Orthopädische Chirurgie exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1A 68-year-old female undergoes primary Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) for severe end-stage primary osteoarthritis. According to the classic Lewinnek safe zone and modern spinopelvic principles, what radiographic orientation of the acetabular cup minimizes the risk of prosthetic impingement, edge loading, and anterior/posterior dislocation in a patient with normal sagittal pelvic mobility?
2An orthopaedic surgeon performs a primary total hip arthroplasty via the Direct Anterior Approach (DAA / Hueter approach). Which intermuscular and internervous interval is developed during superficial dissection, and which neural structure is most at risk for traction injury or transection?
3During a posterolateral approach (Moore/Southern) for total hip arthroplasty, the surgeon detaches the short external rotators from their femoral insertion. Which anatomical structures must be carefully identified, mobilized, and repaired at closure to restore posterior joint stability and protect the sciatic nerve?
4A 72-year-old male undergoes primary THA via a direct lateral transgluteal approach (Hardinge). Postoperatively, he exhibits a persistent Trendelenburg limp with lateral pelvic drop when standing on the operative extremity. Injury to which nerve during proximal dissection of the gluteus medius is the primary cause of this deficit?
5During total hip arthroplasty reconstruction, a surgeon chooses a prosthetic femoral stem that significantly under-restores the patient's native femoral offset (i.e. reduces offset by 12 mm). What biomechanical and clinical alterations are produced by this decreased femoral offset?
6When templating and intraoperatively measuring leg length discrepancy (LLD) during primary total hip arthroplasty, which radiographic reference landmark on an anteroposterior pelvic radiograph provides the most reliable fixed anatomical reference line to assess vertical limb restoration?
7A 54-year-old active male who received a ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) bearing total hip arthroplasty presents 3 years postoperatively complaining of an audible, high-pitched 'squeaking' sound during deep hip flexion and stair climbing. Radiographs show acetabular cup inclination of 58° and anteversion of 28°. What is the primary underlying tribological mechanism of this squeaking phenomenon?
8A 28-year-old professional football player presents with progressive groin pain aggravated by hip flexion and internal rotation (positive FADIR test). Radial sequence MRI of the hip reveals an aspherical femoral head-neck junction with loss of femoral head-neck offset anterosuperiorly and an alpha angle of 68° on the Dunn 45° view, alongside an anterosuperior acetabular labral tear and chondral delamination. What is the diagnosis and the primary surgical objective?
9A 32-year-old female presents with activity-related anterior hip pain. Anteroposterior pelvic radiography reveals a positive 'crossover sign' (anterior acetabular wall projecting lateral to the posterior wall in the superior half of the acetabulum), a prominent ischial spine sign, and a lateral center-edge angle (LCEA) of 42°. Which form of femoroacetabular impingement is characterized by these radiographic findings?
10A 38-year-old male with a history of systemic corticosteroid therapy for glomerulonephritis presents with deep left hip pain. Plain radiographs show patchy sclerosis and small subchondral cystic change in the anterosuperior femoral head with a perfectly preserved spherical contour and no crescent sign, and MRI demonstrates a distinct serpentinous low-signal band on T1-weighted images demarcating the same region, with a 'double-line sign' on T2-weighted sequences and no femoral head flattening. Under the Steinberg (University of Pennsylvania) classification, what is the stage of this avascular necrosis (AVN), and what joint-preserving surgical intervention is indicated?
About the Facharzt FMH Orthopädische Chirurgie Exam
The Facharzt FMH für Orthopädische Chirurgie und Traumatologie des Bewegungsapparates is the official postgraduate medical specialist qualification in Switzerland certifying surgeons for independent practice in orthopaedic surgery and musculoskeletal traumatology. Governed by the SIWF and Swiss Orthopaedics, obtaining the title requires completing 6 years of residency training, documenting operative case volumes in the SIWF e-Logbook, and passing the modular examination sequence: the Basisexamen Chirurgie, the practical intermediate examinations (Anatomie und Zugangswege, Kinderorthopädie & Tumore), and the final Schlussprüfung (Teil 1 written MCQs and Teil 2 oral-practical cases). Note on study adaptation: This question bank is an independent English-language MCQ practice resource created by OpenExamPrep—not an official release of Swiss Orthopaedics or SIWF—designed to reinforce core theoretical, diagnostic, biomechanical, and operative decision-making knowledge.
Assessment
Modular five-stage qualification (Weiterbildungsprogramm 4.4): (1) Basisexamen Chirurgie — a written common-trunk surgical examination run and marked by the fmCh, and a precondition for every later part; (2) Zwischenprüfung Anatomie und orthopädische Zugangswege — the candidate demonstrates two orthopaedic-traumatological approaches on a specimen plus examiner questions across the whole of anatomy, 1–2 hours; (3) Zwischenprüfung Tumoren des Bewegungsapparates — online, 6 clinical cases, 1–2 hours; (4) Zwischenprüfung Kinderorthopädie — online, 6 clinical cases, 1–2 hours; (5) Schlussprüfung Teil 1 (approx. 150 MCQs in 4 hours) followed by Teil 2, an oral interview on two orthopaedic and two traumatology cases worked through from the patient record and imaging. The written examinations are held in English; the oral examinations are held in German, French or Italian, and in English with the candidate's agreement.
Time Limit
Schlussprüfung Teil 1: approx. 150 MCQs in 4 hours | each Zwischenprüfung: 1–2 hours | Schlussprüfung Teil 2 (oral case interview): duration not published
Passing Score
Every part is graded «bestanden» / «nicht bestanden»; the specialist examination counts as passed only when all parts have been passed. Swiss Orthopaedics does not publish a numeric cut score for any part.
Exam Fee
Basisexamen Chirurgie CHF 600 (fmCh), Zwischenprüfung Anatomie und orthopädische Zugangswege CHF 1'650, online Zwischenprüfungen Kinderorthopädie & Tumore des Bewegungsapparates CHF 370, Schlussprüfung Teil 1 (written) CHF 550, Schlussprüfung Teil 2 (oral) CHF 690 — CHF 3'860 across the whole pathway, plus the SIWF title fee (Schweizerisches Institut für ärztliche Weiter- und Fortbildung (SIWF / FMH) & Swiss Orthopaedics (Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Orthopädie und Traumatologie))
Facharzt FMH Orthopädische Chirurgie Exam Content Outline
Lower Extremity, Hip & Knee Arthroplasty and Joint Reconstruction
Total hip arthroplasty approaches (direct anterior, posterior, direct lateral), component alignment (Lewinnek safe zone, functional spinopelvic positioning), offset and leg length restoration, bearing tribology (ceramic, polyethylene), femoroacetabular impingement (cam/pincer), avascular necrosis (Steinberg classification), total knee alignment (mechanical vs kinematic), gap balancing, unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, ACL/PCL/multiligament reconstructions, meniscal repair and root tears, and periprosthetic joint infection (MSIS/ICM criteria, DAIR vs revision).
Upper Extremity, Shoulder & Elbow Surgery
Rotator cuff tear evaluation (Patte, Goutallier), repair biomechanics (margin convergence), massive irreparable cuff management (tendon transfer, superior capsular reconstruction), reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (Grammont principles), anatomic shoulder arthroplasty, anterior shoulder instability (on/off-track Hill-Sachs, Latarjet), posterior instability, adhesive capsulitis, calcific tendinitis, distal biceps repair, terrible triad of the elbow, carpal tunnel variations, distal radius fixation (volar locking plates), and scaphoid nonunion.
Musculoskeletal Traumatology & Fracture Management (AO Principles)
AO/OTA classification, Perren's strain theory (absolute vs relative stability), polytrauma damage control orthopaedics (DCO vs ETC), open fracture management (Gustilo-Anderson), acute compartment syndrome (delta pressure <= 30 mmHg, 2-incision 4-compartment fasciotomy), proximal femur fractures (Pauwels/Garden, cephalomedullary nailing vs DHS vs arthroplasty), tibial plateau fractures, suprapatellar tibial nailing, staged pilon protocols, pelvic ring injuries (pelvic binder, preperitoneal packing), acetabular fractures (Judet-Letournel), and nonunions.
Spine Surgery, Spinal Pathology & Deformity
Lumbar disc herniation (traversing vs exiting root compression), lumbar spinal stenosis and neurogenic claudication, cauda equina syndrome emergent decompression, cervical spondylotic myelopathy (upper motor neuron signs, mJOA), cervical radiculopathy, spondylolisthesis (Meyerding, isthmic vs degenerative), spinopelvic sagittal alignment (PI-LL mismatch), cervical facet dislocations, odontoid fractures, Jefferson C1 burst fracture, thoracolumbar trauma (TLICS score), and spondylodiscitis.
Foot & Ankle Surgery
Hallux valgus correction (Chevron vs Scarf vs Lapidus), hallux rigidus (cheilectomy vs MTP arthrodesis), posterior tibial tendon dysfunction / flatfoot (Myerson stages, FDL transfer + calcaneal osteotomy), cavovarus foot (Coleman block test), total ankle replacement vs arthrodesis, acute Achilles tendon rupture, chronic lateral ankle instability (Broström-Gould repair), and Lisfranc fracture-dislocation.
Pediatric Orthopaedics, Musculoskeletal Oncology & Basic Science
Developmental dysplasia of the hip (Graf ultrasound, Pavlik harness), slipped capital femoral epiphysis (in situ single screw), Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (Herring lateral pillar), clubfoot (Ponseti method), pediatric physeal fractures (Salter-Harris classification), osteosarcoma (chemotherapy + wide limb-salvage resection), Ewing sarcoma (t(11;22)), chondrosarcoma, giant cell tumor of bone (RANKL, Denosumab), and bone healing biology.
How to Pass the Facharzt FMH Orthopädische Chirurgie Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Every part is graded «bestanden» / «nicht bestanden»; the specialist examination counts as passed only when all parts have been passed. Swiss Orthopaedics does not publish a numeric cut score for any part.
- Assessment: Modular five-stage qualification (Weiterbildungsprogramm 4.4): (1) Basisexamen Chirurgie — a written common-trunk surgical examination run and marked by the fmCh, and a precondition for every later part; (2) Zwischenprüfung Anatomie und orthopädische Zugangswege — the candidate demonstrates two orthopaedic-traumatological approaches on a specimen plus examiner questions across the whole of anatomy, 1–2 hours; (3) Zwischenprüfung Tumoren des Bewegungsapparates — online, 6 clinical cases, 1–2 hours; (4) Zwischenprüfung Kinderorthopädie — online, 6 clinical cases, 1–2 hours; (5) Schlussprüfung Teil 1 (approx. 150 MCQs in 4 hours) followed by Teil 2, an oral interview on two orthopaedic and two traumatology cases worked through from the patient record and imaging. The written examinations are held in English; the oral examinations are held in German, French or Italian, and in English with the candidate's agreement.
- Time limit: Schlussprüfung Teil 1: approx. 150 MCQs in 4 hours | each Zwischenprüfung: 1–2 hours | Schlussprüfung Teil 2 (oral case interview): duration not published
- Exam fee: Basisexamen Chirurgie CHF 600 (fmCh), Zwischenprüfung Anatomie und orthopädische Zugangswege CHF 1'650, online Zwischenprüfungen Kinderorthopädie & Tumore des Bewegungsapparates CHF 370, Schlussprüfung Teil 1 (written) CHF 550, Schlussprüfung Teil 2 (oral) CHF 690 — CHF 3'860 across the whole pathway, plus the SIWF title fee
Keys to Passing
- Work through all 100 available questions
- Review every answer and explanation
- Track weak areas and revisit them
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
Facharzt FMH Orthopädische Chirurgie Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Facharzt FMH für Orthopädische Chirurgie qualification?
The Facharzt FMH für Orthopädische Chirurgie und Traumatologie des Bewegungsapparates is the federally accredited surgical specialist title in Switzerland awarded by SIWF/FMH in partnership with Swiss Orthopaedics. It authorizes independent practice in orthopaedic surgery and musculoskeletal traumatology in hospital and private practice settings. Note: This question bank is an English-language MCQ study adaptation—not an official translation, not a simulation of the oral/practical viva format, and not a substitute for surgical logbook or hands-on clinical residency training.
What are the required examination components and their fees?
The Weiterbildungsprogramm defines five components. (1) Basisexamen Chirurgie — the written common-trunk surgical examination, run by the fmCh rather than by Swiss Orthopaedics, CHF 600. (2) Zwischenprüfung Anatomie und orthopädische Zugangswege — demonstration of two orthopaedic-traumatological approaches on a specimen plus examiner questions across anatomy, 1–2 hours at the SFITS in Geneva, CHF 1'650. (3) and (4) Zwischenprüfungen Tumoren des Bewegungsapparates and Kinderorthopädie — two separate online examinations of 6 clinical cases each, 1–2 hours, currently sat online for a combined CHF 370. (5) Schlussprüfung Teil 1, approximately 150 multiple-choice questions in 4 hours (CHF 550), followed by Teil 2, an oral interview on two orthopaedic and two traumatology cases (CHF 690). The pathway therefore costs CHF 3'860 in examination fees alone.
In what languages are the official Swiss Orthopaedics examinations conducted?
The languages differ by format, which surprises many candidates. Under Weiterbildungsprogramm 4.5.5 the written examinations are conducted in English — that includes the Basisexamen Chirurgie and the Schlussprüfung Teil 1. The oral examinations may be taken in German, French or Italian, and in English if the candidate agrees.
What are the passing standards for the Swiss Orthopaedics examinations?
No numeric cut score is published for any component. Weiterbildungsprogramm 4.6 states only that every part is graded «bestanden» or «nicht bestanden» and that the specialist examination counts as passed once all parts have been passed. Do not rely on a percentage figure quoted by a third-party preparation site.
What clinical and surgical domains are covered in this practice bank?
The practice bank covers 6 core syllabus areas: Lower Extremity & Arthroplasty (25%), Upper Extremity & Shoulder/Elbow Surgery (20%), Musculoskeletal Traumatology & AO Principles (20%), Spine Surgery & Deformity (15%), Foot & Ankle Surgery (10%), and Pediatric Orthopaedics, Musculoskeletal Oncology & Basic Science (10%).