Injuries of the Upper Limb Flashcards
What type of injuries is the shoulder more prone to?
Soft tissue, rather than bony
What is the pathology of a rotator cuff (RC) injury?
Inflammation of RC, associated bursitis & impingement of RC against CA ligament
What is the mechanism of a RC injury?
Repetitive microtrauma - intensity, frequency and duration of training load exceeds ability of tissue to recover and adapt
What are the pathomechanics of a RC injury?
1) Wringing out of blood supply in supraspinatus and biceps tendon on internal rotation & adduction
2) Impingement of RC against CA ligament
3) Narrowing of subacromial canal
4) Role of muscle imbalance
What is the history of a RC injury?
Pain with/after activity, pain with overhead activity, pain lying on shoulder
What is considered in the examination of an RC injury?
Painful arc of movement (80-120 degrees abduction), positive impingement signs
What investigations are used for a RC injury?
X-ray, ultrasound, MRI
How is an RC injury graded?
Grade I: Pain after activity
Grade II: Pain during/after activity
Grade III: Prolonged pain throughout the day
What is the pathology of the RC injury grades?
Grade I: Inflammation of tendon
Grade II: Partial tear
Grade III: Complete tear
What is the treatment for an RC injury?
Reduction of activity, NSAIDs, physio, address muscle imbalances, surgery (arthroscopy or open)
What is the mechanism of a GH dislocation?
Actue injury, fall onto point of shoulder/outstretched hand, abduction and external rotation
What is considered in the examination of a GH dislocation?
Obvious deformity, pain, loss of function of arm
What investigation is used for a GH dislocation?
X-ray
What is the treatment for a GH dislocation?
Reduction, further investigation (MRI), long-term (conservative vs surgery)
What is the mechanism of a GH sublaxation?
Partial dislocation, articular surfaces remain in partial contact with each other but no longer aligned
What is the history of a GH sublaxation?
Pain with activity, feeling of instability, dead arms with trauma
What is considered in the examination of a GH sublaxation?
Pain in the apprehension position, increased GH translation
What investigation is used for a GH sublaxation?
X-ray, MRI
What is the treatment for a GH sublaxation?
Conservative: Strength of RC, scapula stabilisers
Surgery