MSK UL Fractures Flashcards
What are the 3 main fractures that can happen to the humerus?
Surgical neck fracture, distal humeral fracture and mid shaft fracture
Which fracture can lead to damage of the axillary nerve?
Surgical neck fracture
If the axillary nerve is damaged what is the patient unable to do? Why>?
Abduct their arm
Deltoid and teres minor muscles are damaged
Why are humeral fracture commonly seen in elderly people?
Because they are more likely to suffer from osteoporosis
What is osteoporosis?
Decreased bone strength
What is the difference between osteoporosis and osteoarthritis?
Osteoporosis is the decrease in bone density and quality, making them more brittle.
Osteoarthritis, however, affects the joing and involves the thinning of cartilage
What are the 2 examples of distal humeral fractures?
Supracondylar and medial epicondyle fractures
Which blood vessel can be damaged in a supracondylar fracture? What effect can this have?
Brachial artery.
Can cause ischaemia and the resulting ischaemia can cause volkmann’s ischaemic contracture
What is volkmann’s ischaemic contracture?
Uncontrolled flexion of the hand because flexor muscles become fibrotic and short
Which nerves can be damaged in a supracondylar fracture of the humerus?
Median, ulnar or radial
When a medial epicondylar fracture of the humerus what nerve can be damaged and what does this cause?
The ulnar nerve. Can cause ulnar claw
What structures could be damaged in a mid shaft fracture of teh humerus?
Radial nerve and profunda brachii artery
What can damage to the radial nerve cause? Why?
Unopposed flexion (wrist drop).
Because the radial nerve innervates the extensors of the wrist .
Also, sensory loss to ….
What is thoracic outlet syndrome cause by?
Trauma, fractures clavicle or repetitive lifting of the arms above the head
What are the symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome?
Tingling, muscle weakness and discolouration
What is winged scapula most commonly caused by?
Damage to the long thoracic nerve
How may damage to the long thoracic nerve occur?
Trauma to the shoulder, repetitive movement involving the shoulder, structure becoming inflammed around the shoulder which press on the nerve, lymph node biopsy and axillary clearance
Where can the brachial pulse be found? Which is is used?
Medial to the biceps tendon. Used when taking blood pressure with a stethoscpope to hear korotkoff sounds
On what is venepuncture performed?
On the medial cubital vein
How can a supracondylar fracture occur?
By falling on a flexed elbow.
What is a supracondylar fracture?
A transverse fracture which spans between two epicondyles. The displaced fragments may damage the contents of the cubital fossa.
What can carpal tunnel syndrome cause?
Compression of the median nerve
What are the most likely causes of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Thickened ligaments and tendon sheaths
What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Weakness and atrophy of thenar muscles if left untreated
Tingling, numbness an pain in distribution of median nerve and pain radiating down the forearm.
