1
Q

what trauma is associated with the elbow?

A
  • elbow dislocation
  • radial head/neck fractures
  • olecranon fractures
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2
Q

describe an elbow dislocation

A
  • a high impact injury causes the radius and/or ulna to move out of their normal alignment with the capitulum and/or trochlea of the humerus
  • can be simple (no fracture) or complex (with fracture)
  • posterior is more common
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3
Q

MOI for an elbow dislocation

A

hyperextension injury – high impact /
FOOSH (fall on outstretched hand)

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4
Q

describe the radiographic appearance of an elbow dislocation

A

ulnar coronoid process and/or radial
head not in normal alignment with the humerus

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5
Q

what helps identify an elbow dislocation from a radiograph?

A
  • the radiocapitellar line (an imaginary line drawn along the longitudinal axis of the proximal radius, and passing through the capitulum of the humerus)
  • misalignment of the radiocapitellar line identifies a dislocation
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6
Q

describe the treatment for an elbow dislocation

A
  • reduction under local or general anaesthetic for simple dislocation
  • surgery (open reduction) may be required especially for complex dislocation
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7
Q

describe the prognosis for an elbow dislocation

A

simple - good prognosis after closed reduction
complex - accurate realignment and fixation during surgery is important for a good prognosis
- physiotherapy may be required

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8
Q

describe a radial head/neck fracture

A

intra-articular fractures as they effect the articular surface. can be:
- non-displaced
- displaced
- comminuted

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9
Q

MOI for a radial head/neck fracture

A

usually via FOOSH – high impact applies force along the radius leading to impaction of the radial head against the capitulum, causing fracture
rarely - caused during reduction of an elbow dislocation

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10
Q

describe the radiographic appearance of a radial head/neck fracture

A
  • undisplaced fracture of the radial
    head visible as a lower density
    line within the high density bone
  • displaced fracture are more obvious and usually lower density soft tissue areas are another sign that a fracture is present (fat pads)
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11
Q

describe the treatment for a radial head/neck fracture

A

non-displaced - immobilisation in a
splint/cast, with sling for comfort
displaced - may require open
reduction and internal fixation (ORIF)
depending on extent of displacement
severely comminuted - may
require artificial replacement of the
radial head

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12
Q

describe the prognosis for a radial head/neck fracture

A

non-displaced fractures have a very good prognosis
comminuted/displaced fractures require more physiotherapy to regain full range of movement and more healing time

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13
Q

describe an olecranon fracture

A
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