Humeral Shaft Fracture Flashcards
1
Q
What is the MOI
A
- Direct blow to arm OR
- FOOSH
2
Q
What are the symptoms?
A
- Pain
- Swelling
- Deformity
- Motion at fracture site
- Inability to extend wrist/fingers (Wrist drop)
- Loss of sensation of dorsal hand
*must r/o radial nerve injury
3
Q
What will be found on the PE?
A
- Swelling
- Contusion
- Puncture wounds (maybe)
- Neurovascular exam
- Shoulder and elbow assessment
4
Q
What diagnostic test should be completed?
A
- XRays of humerus
*AP, int, oblique
*need to include the shoulder and the elbow
5
Q
What are some adverse outcomes of a humeral shaft fracture?
A
- Radial nerve injury
- Malunion (angulation)
6
Q
What are the non surgical treatment options?
A
- Done with most fracture
*up to 20 degrees of Angulation
*splinting and sling used for treatment
*sugar tong splint/coaptation splint
*sling & swathe
7
Q
When are surgical treatment options recommended?
A
- Open fractures
- Neurovascular injury
- “Floating elbow” syndrome
8
Q
What are the adverse outcomes of the fracture and/or treatment?
A
- Radial nerve injury
- Refer all cases to ortho
- With peds suspect child abuse