Humerus fractures

Question 1

How do surgical neck fractures occur

Answer 1

Direct blow

Falling on outstretched hand

Question 2

What structures are at risk in surgical neck fractures

What are the consequences

Answer 2

Axillary nerve
Posterior circumflex artery

Sensory loss over regimental badge area
Paralysis of deltoid and teres minor so unable to abduct arm

Question 3

What is at risk in mid shaft fracture

Consequences

Answer 3

Radial nerve and deep artery of arm (tightly bound in radial groove)

Paralysis of wrist extensor so wrist drop deformity
Sensory loss over dorsal surface of:
hand
Proximal ends of lateral 3 and 1/2 fingers

Question 4

What’s at risk in a medial epicondyle fracture

Consequences

Answer 4

Ulnar nerve

Ulnar claw
Loss of sensation over medial 1 and 1/2 fingers

Question 5

Where are the 3 sites of fracture

Answer 5

Surgical neck
Mid shaft
Distal (Supracondylar and medial epicondyle fracture)