Elbow, Forearm, Wrist, Hand

Question 1

How to know if elbow is dislocated?

Answer 1

obvious deformity or extension and flexion formations are not aligned

Question 2

How does an elbow fracture happen?

What are the signs?

How to care for?

Answer 2

fall on outstretched hand, fractures to humerus above/between condyles

Signs: hemorrhaging, deformity

Care: ice and sling, refer to physician

Question 3

Causes of Forearm fractures?

Signs?

Care?

Answer 3

Cause: falls or direct blows

Signs: pop or crack, soft tissue damage, both breaking is more common

Care: RICE, splint, immobilize, incapacitated for 8 weeks

Question 4

What is a Colles’ Fracture?

What is a Smith’s Fracture?

Answer 4

common break to the end of the forearm (falling on extended wrist)

Colles = extended wrist, posterior displacement

Smith = falling flexed wrist, anterior displacement