Trauma Flashcards
What are the risk factors for humeral shaft non-union? (7)
- distraction @ # site;
- open #;
- Vitamin D deficiency;
- segmental fracture;
- infection;
- stiffness;
- patient factors - obesity, smoking, malnutrition,non-compliance
What is the natural history of radial nerve recovery following humeral shaft #s?
- 8-15% incidence;
- 80-90% improve @ 3 months;
- spontaneous recovery @ 7 weeks;
- full recovery @ 6 months
What are the indications for Sx exploration of radial nerve palsy in humeral shaft #s?
- open # with palsy;
- no improvement over 3-6 months;
- fibrications seen @ 3 months - EMG
What is the pathoanatomic cascade of elbow dislocation?
LCL first to MCL last
What are the static stabilizers of the elbow? 1st degree and 2nd degree?
1st degree - UH joint, anterior bundle MCL, LCL complex;
2nd degree - RC joint, capsule, flexor/extensor origins
What are the dynamic stabilizers of the elbow?
- anconeus;
- biceps;
- triceps
What are associated injuries of radial head #s? (7)
- Essex-Lopresti lesions;
- IOM;
- coronoid #s;
- MCL/LCL;
- dislocation;
- terrible Triad;
- carpal #s
Where does the MCL insert on the coronoid specifically?
- 18.4 mm dorsal to tip;
- anterior capsule inserts 6 mm from tip
What is the rate of re-operation for olecranon tension banding?
40-80%
What is the most common nerve injury with Monteggia #s?
PIN
How does one treat malunion of Monteggia #?
ulnar osteotomy + open reduction of radial head
What are the 5 ligaments of the IOM in the forearm?
- central band;
- accessory band;
- distal oblique bundle;
- proximal oblique cord;
- dorsal oblique accessory cord
What are the indications to Tx nightstick # with no op.?
<50% displacement and <10 degrees angulation
What distance from RC joint affects stability in Galeazzi #s?
- <7.5 cm - 55% unstable;
- >7.5 cm <6% unstable
What are the signs of DRUJ injury?
- ulnar styloid #;
- widening of DRUJ;
- volar/dorsal displacement;
- radial shortening >=5 mm;
What are the factors associated with increased mortality with pelvic ring injuries? (4)
- SBP <90;
- age >60;
- increased ISS or RTS;
- need for >= 4 units transfusion
What are the complications of temporary iliac embolization? (2)
- gluteal necrosis;
- impotence
What are the indications for retrograde urethrogram? (3)
- blood @ meatus;
- high riding prostate;
- hematuria
What is the most common distal humerus shaft #?
distal intercondylar #s
What is the Jupiter classification for distal humerus #s?
- High T - above olecranon;
- Low T - below olecranon;
- H (free trochea - increased risk of AVN);
- Y;
- medial lambda (direction of proximal #);
- lateral lambda (direction of proximal #);
- multiplane T
What are the proximal and distal intervals for the medial approach to the elbow?
- Proximal - brachialis/triceps (radial) (MCN);
- Distal - brachioradialis/pronator teres (MED)
When do you go to 1. lateral decubitus; 2. prone; 3. supine for elbow #s?
- LD - isolated single limb trauma;
- prone - spine + contralateral extremity trauma;
- supine - polytrauma
What is the most common dislocation of the elbow?
posterolateral - 80%
What is the Tx algorithm for simple stable elbow?
90% - splint X 7 days with early ROM
How to do olecranon osteotomy?
- posterior approach;
- med + lat skin flaps;
- identify bare area - sigmoid notch;
- pre-drill 6.5 mm screw/plate;
- sponge in UH joint;
- apex distal chevron;
- osteotome to complete cut
DO NOT USE IF TEA NEEDED
What is the Tx algorithm for simple unstable elbow dislocations?
hinged brace X 2-3 weeks with progressive rehab post brace
What is the Tx algorithm for chronic elbow dislocations?
- open reduction;
- capsular release;
- dynamic hinged elbow external fixator
What is the number 1 predictor of outcome with radial head ORIF?
<3 fragments - Good;
>=3 fragments - Bad
What are the cut offs for fragment excision in radial head and coronoid #s?
RH - 25%;
Cap - 25-33%
What are the contraindications to radial head excision? (4)
- presence of destabilizing injury;
- interosseous ligament injury;
- coronoid #;
- MCL deficiency
What are the complications of radial head Fxs? (5)
- pain;
- PRUJ/DRUJ instability;
- proximal radial migration;
- decreased strength;
- cubitus vulgus
Describe Kaplan’s approach to lateral elbow.
- EDC (PIN) + ECRB (RAD);
- pronate to avoid PIN;
- can be extended into Thompson approach
In what position do you want forearm to apply a plate on the radial neck?
neutral (access to safe zone)
Where does the MCL attach on the coronoid - BE SPECIFIC
- sublime tubercle - 18 mm distal to tip;
- anteriormedial facet of coronoid is the attachment of anteriormedial bundle of MCL
What is the Tx algorithm for coronoid #s fixation?
- tip = #5 Ethibond sutures via drill holes;
- retrograde screws for type II + III with;
- anteriormedial facet injury = buttress plate
What are the mechanisms of injury and associated # patterns for olecranon #s?
- direct blow = comminuted;
- indirect blow = transverse/oblique
What is the non-op Tx protocol for olecranon #s?
- immobilize @ 45-90 degrees flexion X 3/52; then
- ROM @ 3/52
What are the indications for plate fixation of olecranon #s? (4)
- comminutal;
- Monteggia;
- # dislocations;
- oblique with coronoid extension
What are the indications for olecranon excision + triceps advancement? (3)
- elderly with osteoporosis;
- # <50% of joint;
- non-unions
What are the 2 complications of anterior ulnar cortex perforation in olecranon tension banding technique?
- AIN injury;
- decreased pronation
What is the Bryan and Morrey classification of capitellar #s?
T1 - large osseous piece;
T2 - shear # (thin), Kocher-Lorenz;
T3 severe comminution, Broberg-Morrey;
T4 - includes capitellum + trochlea (McKee mod.) “double bubble sign”
What are the operative options for capitellar #s + the indications for each?
- ORIF - Type I >2 mm displacement, Type IV;
- fragment excision - Type II + III with > 2 mm displacement;
- TEA - unreconstructable, elderly, medial column instability
What are the indications for TEA? (4)
- refractory RA;
- chronic instability;
- advanced OA;
- complex distal humerus # in elderly
What is the Bado classification for Monteggia #s?
- Type I - radial head anterior;
- Type II - radial head posterior;
- Type III - radial head lateral;
- Type IV - radius + ulna #
What is the most common nerve injury with Monteggia #s?
PIN
What is the most common structure blocking radial head reduction after ulnar reduction in Monteggia #s?
annular ligament
What is the radius pull test?
pull radius proximally:
- If > 3 mm instability - intraosseous membrane injury;
- If > 6 mm instability - IOM + TFCC injury
How do you perform a radiocapitellar view?
lateral view with gantry @ 45 degree angle to shoulder
What does overstuffing lead to in the RC joint? (2)
- capitellar wear;
- late instability
What is the ROM goal post distal humeral shaft #?
30-130 degrees (functional range)
How do you calculate the radial bow?
diagram:
- a = maximal radial bow = 15 mm = 10% total length;
- location of maximal bow (%) x/y X 100 = 60% from proximal
What are the indications (requirements) to treat forearm # non-op in adults? (3)
- distal 2/3 ulna #;
- <50% displaced;
- <10 degrees angulated (96% union rate)
What is the most important variable predicting outcomes for ORIF forearm #s?
radial bow
What is the union rate for humeral shaft #s?
90%
What are the contraindications for humeral shaft #s conservative management?
- STI or bone loss;
- vascular injury (requires repair); 3. brachial plexus injury
What is the acceptable alignment deformity for humeral shaft #s?
- <20 degrees A-P;
- <30 degrees V-V;
- <3 cm short
What is the incidence of radial nerve injury in Holstein-Lewis #s?
22%
What are the indications for bone grafting forearm #s in adults?
- non-unions;
- ulna/radius # with bone loss > 1/3 of length;
- segmental bone loss with open #s
What are the approaches for the forearm for radial shaft #s based on location?
- Volar (Henry) - 1/3 distal, 1/3 middle #s;
- Dorsal (Thompson) - for middle 1/3, proximal 1/3
What are the options for bone grafting radius and ulna #s?
- ICBG;
- allograft;
- FVFG;
- cancellous iliac crest
Name 5 risk factors for forearm compartment syndrome.
- crush;
- open #s;
- low velocity GSW;
- vascular injuries;
- coagulopathies
What are the 5 ligaments of the IOM of forearm?
- central band (most important);
- accessory band;
- distal oblique bundle;
- proximal oblique cord;
- dorsal oblique accessory cord
What bone graft has the lowest infection rate for radius/ulna shaft #s?
FVFG
When can you perform synostectomy for both bone forearm post ORIF?
4-6 months if RADS/indomethacin used post-op
What is the Tx algorithm for non-union of forearm #s failed ORIF?
3.5 mm LCDP with autogenous cancellous bone grafting
What are the risk factors for refracture following ORIF of forearm #s? (4)
- removing plates < 15 months;
- large plates (4.5 mm) - should use 3.5 mm;
- comminuted #s;
- persistent radiographic lucency
What is the rehab following plate removal in the forearm?
functional forearm brace X 6/52 and protected activity X 3/12
What are the treatment related risk factors for radioulnar synostosis? (5)
- one incision technique;
- delayed Sx > 2/52;
- screws penetrating into IOM;
- bone grafting into IOM;
- prolonged immobilization
What are the acceptable criteria for ORIF of DR #s?
- radial height 11 mm +/- 5 mm;
- radial inclination 22 degrees +/- 5 degrees;
- articular stepoff < 2 mm;
- volar tilt 11 degrees +/- <5 degrees dorsal
List 5 technical considerations for ex-fix for DR #s.
- relies on ligamentotaxis;
- radial shaft pins under direct visualization (SRN at risk);
- non-spanning for extra articular;
- carpal distraction <5 mm;
- limit to 8/52 + aggressive OT/PT of digits
A FPL rupture with Volar plate fixation is associated with what plate position?
distal to watershed area
What is the most common nerve injury with DR #s? And what is the incidence in high energy injuries?
median nerve injury @ 30%
What are the indications for actue CTR in DR #s? (2)
- progressive neuropraxia;
- neuropraxia does not improve with reduction + lasts > 24-48 hours
What is the Tx algorithm for EPL rupture post DR #?
If iatrogenic - cut = end to end repair;
If degeneration - EIP to EPL transfer
What are the most important ligaments for DRUJ stability?
radioulnar ligaments of TFCC
What are the indications for ORIF of ulnar styloid #s?
- displaced through base;
- sigmoid notch #s;
- Galeazzi #s;
- TFCC avulsions in the face of unstable DRUJ
What are the anatomical distance parameters for stable vs unstable Galeazzi #s?
- If <7.5 cm from articular surface = 55% unstable;
- If >7.5 cm, then only 6% unstable
What is the position of most stability for the DRUJ?
volar + dorsal radioulnar ligaments most stable in supination
What are the primary stabilizers of the DRUJ?
volar and dorsal radioulnar ligaments
What are 4 signs of DRUJ injury? (radiographic)
- ulnar styloid #;
- widening of DRUJ (AP) - compare contralateral;
- volar/dorsal displacement (lat);
- radial shortening >= 5 mm
What is the approach to DRUJ reduction and stabilization?
dorsal capsulotomy between 3/4 compartments
How long for DRUJ stabilization if stable post distal radius reduction + ORIF?
6 weeks in a cast
How long to leave pins in situ following DRUJ pinning?
4 weeks
What is likely to block a DRUJ reduction?
ECU tendon
What are the deforming forces causing persistent DRUJ instability?
- gravity;
- PQ (pronator quadratus);
- BR (brachioradialis)
What is the geometry of the sigmoid notch of the DRUJ that makes it unstable?
- shallow;
- 50% radius curvature of the ulnar head
What is the major stabilizer of the DRUJ? And which 2 ligaments?
TFCC;
volar and dorsal radioulnar ligaments
What is the leading cause of death for pelvic ring injuries? (APC)
hemorrhage
What is the most common cause of death for lateral compression pelvic ring injuries?
head injuries
What are 4 indications for mortality in pelvic ring injuries?
- SBP <90;
- age >60 yoa;
- increased ISS or RIS;
- transfusion >= 4 units
List 5 associated injuries with pelvic ring injuries.
- chest (63%);
- long bone # (50%);
- head/abdomen (40%);
- spine # (25%);
- urogenital (12-20%)
List 7 poor prognosis indications for pelvic ring injuries.
- SI joint incongruity >= 1 cm;
- increased initial displacement;
- malunion/residual displacement;
- LLD >= 2 cm;
- nonunion;
- neurological injury;
- urethral injury
What are the strongest ligaments in the body?
posterior sacroiliac complex
Why do children usually get pubic rami #s + iliac wing #s and not pelvic ring injuries?
open triradiate cartilage makes the iliac wing weaker than bone (reverse in adults with closed wings)
What is the physical exam for pelvic ring injuries?
skin - scrotal/labial swelling, flank hematoma, degloving injuries, posterior SI echymosis;
neuro - L5/S1 lumbosacral plexus, rectal (tone + sens);
urogenital - hematuria;
vaginal/rectal exam - mandatory to rule out open #
Describe the pelvic inlet view.
- gantry approx. 45 degrees caudad;
- adequate when S1 overlaps S2;
- used for assessing the AP dimension of S1
Describe the outlet view of the pelvis.
- xray beam angled 45 degrees cephalad;
- adequate when pubic symphysis overlies S2 body;
- used to assess sup/inf translation sacrum + foramina
What are 3 radiographic sign of posterior sacral instability?
- > 5 mm posterior sacral displacement;
- posterior sacral # gap;
- avulsion #s of ischial spine, ischial tuberosity, sacrum, transverse process of L5
Pelvic ring injury associated with the highest risk of hypovolemic shock?
- vertical shear (63%);
- mortality rate up to 25%
What is the most common source of hemorrhage of the pelvic ring?
posterior venous plexus (80%)
What are the most common sources of arterial bleeding + associated # pattern?
- superior gluteal artery (APC injuries);
- internal pudendal (LC injuries);
- obturator artery (LC injuries)
What goes first - pelvic ex-fix or laparotomy?
pelvic ex-fix
What arteries do you temporarily embolize for pelvic bleeding?
internal iliac
What are the 2 complications for arterial emboliation of the internal iliacs?
- gluteal necrosis;
- impotence
List 5 indications for ORIF of pelvic ring injuries.
- symphysis diastasis > 2.5 cm;
- SI joint displacement > 1 cm;
- sacral # with > 1 cm displacement;
- rotational deformity of hemipelvis;
- open #
What is the risk of anterior SI plating?
L4-L5 injury
What is the most common injury with SI screw placement?
L5
What is the most common complication with posterior SI tension plating?
painful hardware
What 2 views do you need for SI screw placement and what do they tell you?
- pelvic inlet = AP translation;
- pelvic outlet = sup/inf translation
What view do you need for your SI screw entry point?
lateral sacral view - place screw posterior to iliac cortical density (ICD)
What is the most common urogenital injury in pelvic ring injuries?
posterior urethral tear
What are the indications for retrograde urethrocystogram?
- blood at meatus;
- high riding prostate;
- hematuria
What is the maximum pubic diastasis accepted post-partum for acute injury?
4 cm
What is the order of fixation of pelvic ring injury with acetab #s?
fix ring 1st;
then fix acetab
Where does the L5 nerve root cross the sacral ala?
2 cm medial to the SI joint
What artery crosses the SI joint?
superior gluteal artery