Comprehensive Questions & Verified
Accurate Answers | Arthrex Sports Medicine
Certification Prep PDF
SPORTS IOT ARTHREX EXAM 2026 Comprehensive Questions & Verified
Accurate Answers | Arthrex Sports Medicine Certification Prep
• This guide contains 200 exam-style multiple-choice questions with bolded correct
answers and detailed EXPERT RATIONALE — simulating real Arthrex Sports
Medicine certification exam conditions across all tested domains.
• Study by attempting each question independently before revealing the answer;
revisit any question you miss at least twice, and pay close attention to the EXPERT
RATIONALE as it explains the clinical or product-specific reasoning behind each
correct choice.
SECTION 1: ROTATOR CUFF — ANATOMY, PATHOLOGY & REPAIR
1. What is the primary function of the rotator cuff?
A. Flex and extend the elbow joint
B. Stabilize the acromioclavicular joint
C. Provide dynamic stabilization of the glenohumeral joint
D. Adduct the shoulder against resistance
E. Rotate the lumbar vertebral column
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Provide dynamic stabilization of the glenohumeral
joint
,EXPERT RATIONALE: The four rotator cuff muscles — supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres
minor, and subscapularis — work in concert to compress the humeral head into the
glenoid fossa, providing dynamic stability throughout the range of motion.
2. Which rotator cuff tendon is most commonly torn?
A. Infraspinatus
B. Subscapularis
C. Teres minor
D. Supraspinatus
E. Teres major
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Supraspinatus
EXPERT RATIONALE: The supraspinatus tendon is the most commonly torn rotator cuff
tendon due to its location in the subacromial space, its relative avascularity at the
"critical zone" near its insertion, and its exposure to repetitive impingement between the
humeral head and acromion.
3. The "footprint" of the supraspinatus tendon inserts on which anatomical
landmark?
A. Lesser tuberosity of the humerus
B. Bicipital groove of the humerus
C. Glenoid rim
D. Coracoid process
E. Greater tuberosity of the humerus
CORRECT ANSWER: E. Greater tuberosity of the humerus
,EXPERT RATIONALE: The supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor all insert on the
greater tuberosity of the humerus. The supraspinatus attaches to the superior facet,
making footprint restoration a key goal in rotator cuff repair.
4. Which surgical technique involves placing anchors both medially and
laterally at the rotator cuff footprint?
A. Single-row repair
B. Transosseous repair
C. Tension-band repair
D. Double-row repair
E. Side-to-side repair
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Double-row repair
EXPERT RATIONALE: Double-row repair uses a medial row of anchors placed at the
articular margin and a lateral row placed at the lateral aspect of the footprint. This
technique maximizes contact area and restores the native footprint more reliably than
single-row repair.
5. What is a PASTA lesion in the context of rotator cuff pathology?
A. A full-thickness tear of the supraspinatus
B. A complete avulsion of the subscapularis
C. A partial articular-sided supraspinatus tendon avulsion
D. A posterior labral tear with Hill-Sachs lesion
E. A superior labral anterior to posterior tear
CORRECT ANSWER: C. A partial articular-sided supraspinatus tendon
avulsion
, EXPERT RATIONALE: PASTA stands for Partial Articular-Side Tendon Avulsion. It refers to
a partial-thickness tear on the articular (inferior) surface of the supraspinatus tendon,
often seen in overhead athletes and frequently repaired in situ arthroscopically.
6. Which Arthrex anchor system is most commonly used in knotless rotator
cuff repair?
A. BioSutureTak
B. PushLock
C. Bio-Tenodesis Screw
D. SwiveLock
E. BioComposite Interference Screw
CORRECT ANSWER: D. SwiveLock
EXPERT RATIONALE: The Arthrex SwiveLock anchor is a knotless suture anchor
specifically designed for soft tissue-to-bone fixation. Its swivel mechanism allows the
suture to self-tension as the anchor is inserted, eliminating the need for arthroscopic
knot tying in rotator cuff and labral repairs.
7. What is the recommended approach for repairing a rotator cuff tear
classified as greater than 5 cm?
A. Physiotherapy alone
B. Biceps tenotomy
C. SLAP repair
D. Subacromial corticosteroid injection
E. Massive rotator cuff repair with possible augmentation or tendon transfer
CORRECT ANSWER: E. Massive rotator cuff repair with possible
augmentation or tendon transfer