Upper Extremity Disorders Part 2 Flashcards
imaging for elbow
- Standard x-ray views - AP & lateral
- Additional views:
- Oblique (Radiocapitellar) 45° view - Improved radial head visualization
interpretation of lateral view of elbow imaging
- The anterior humeral line (1-2) should bisect middle third of capitellum.
- The radiocapitellar line (drawn through center of radius, 3-4) should also pass through the center of the capitellum.
- Disruption of these relationships may indicate fracture.
components of elbow assessment
-
ROM
- Flexion 0-150°
- Hyperextension 10-15° (usually kids only)
- Supination/Pronation 80° -
muscle strength
- Flexion and supination - Bicep, C5-C6, musculocutaneous nerve
- Extension - Tricep, C7-C8
- Pronation - Pronator teres muscles, median nerve, C6-C7 -
ligament testing
- valgus stress test
- varus stress test
what is the valgus stress test in elbow assessment
- Tests the stability of the medial ligamentous structures, primarily the ulnar collateral ligament
- Hold elbow in 20° flexion with forearm in supination; apply pressure on lateral side of the elbow, attempting to open medial joint line
how to perform varus stress test in elbow assessment?
- Tests the stability of the lateral collateral ligament and lateral capsule
- Hold the elbow in 20° flexion with the forearm in supination and apply pressure on the medial side of the elbow, attempting to open the lateral joint line
3 fracture patterns of distal humeral fx - which are MC in general and MC in children?
- Supracondylar (MC in children) - Type A
- Epicondylar (medial or lateral) - Type B
- Intercondylar - Type C (MC)
complications of distal humeral fx
- Intra-articular or comminuted fractures
- Nerve injury - Ulnar nerve; Radial
presentation of ulnar and radial nerve injury from distal humeral fx
- Ulnar nerve - Sensory changes; Flexion/adduction wrist, 4th and 5th DIP joint flexion, finger abduction
- Radial - Sensory; wrist extension
presentation of distal humeral fx?
what to check in Supracondylar Fx and epicondyle fx?
- Pain, swelling, tenderness, ecchymosis and crepitus
- Elbow ROM limited
- Shortening of arm with displaced shaft fx
- Skin, joints/bones above and below, NV status
- Supracondylar Fx: radial artery, median nerve
- Epicondyle Fx: ulnar nerve (medial), radial nerve (lateral)
imaging for distal humeral fx?
findings? MC in who?
-
AP and lateral elbow X-ray
- Assess fracture details
- Look for fat pad “sail sign” - Indicates intra-articular bleeding; May be evidence of occult fracture; MC seen in kids
management for supracondylar distal humeral fx
- Isolated w/o displacement or angulation - Long arm cast/splint with elbow flexed at 90°
- Displaced, angulated, or NV compromise: ORIF
management for epicondylar distal humeral fx
-
Isolated, minimally displaced (< 2 mm): Long arm cast/splint with elbow at 90 °
- Medial condyle fx - forearm pronate
- Lateral condyle fx - forearm supinate - Moderate displacement (2-4 mm): Percutaneous pinning or ORIF
- Severe displacement: ORIF
MC MOI of olecranon fx?
2nd MC?
- fall on a semi-flexed supinated forearm (avulsion)
- 2nd MC: direct trauma
Presentation of olecranon fx?
- Pain, tenderness, swelling and ecchymosis overlying olecranon process
- Limited ROM of elbow
- Deformity if associated elbow dislocation
- Assess distal NV status and overlying skin
which nerve is MC affected if NV status is compromised in olecranon fx?
ulnar nerve
imaging for olecranon fx
- AP and lateral elbow
- Radiocapitellar view - If unclear or complicated presentation
management for nondisplaced olecranon fx
< 1-2 mm displacement
- Posterior long arm splint with elbow in any degree of flexion, forearm in neutral position
- hand/finger ROM/strength: rubber ball x 5 min daily
- Repeat x-ray in 7-10 days to ensure alignment is intact
- Cast/splint removed after 2-3 wks
- Start gentle ROM therapy
- Consider PT referral (improves outcomes)
management for displaced (open & closed) olecranon fx
- Closed fx: splint and refer for ORIF
- Open fx: admit for IV abx and consult ortho
Contraindications for olecranon fx surgery may be present in who?
alt management?
- elderly or multiple comorbid conditions
- Tx: sling and start ROM as pain allows
MOI of radial head/neck fx
FOOSH resulting in compression of radial head into the capitellum
Most common fracture of the elbow?
Radial Head/Neck Fracture
classification for Radial Head/Neck Fracture?
Mason Classification
- Type I - < 2 mm displacement
- Type II - displaced > 2 mm
- Type III - comminuted
- Type IV - radial head fracture with associated elbow dislocation
- Pain and tenderness along the lateral aspect of elbow (overlying the radial head)
- Limited ROM
- Related to pain or joint effusion
- Painful pronation/supination - +/- local swelling/ecchymosis
dx?
Radial Head/Neck Fracture
imaging for Radial Head/Neck Fracture
-
AP and lateral elbow
- Fracture line
- Fat pad sign -
Capitellar (oblique) view
- If unable to appreciate fracture on standard views
management for type 1 radial head/neck fx
- Sling +/- posterior splint → splint should be removed after 1-2 days
-
AROM after 24-48 hours
- Full extension, flexion
- Pronation and supination with elbow flexed at 90° - F/u with ortho within 1 week
- Aspiration if hemarthrosis is present to allow early ROM
Type II - III radial head/neck fx management
- Sling and splint with ortho evaluation in 2-3 days to discuss consideration of ORIF
- Ortho can assess for mechanical block
management for type IV radial head/neck fx
Immediate consult for reduction and ORIF
what is Radial Head Subluxation?
MC in what age group?
- Subluxation (partial dislocation) of radial head through annular ligament due to laxity
- Kids < 5 y/o
AKA: “Nursemaid’s elbow”
- MOI: Pulling on a pronated forearm while the elbow is extended
- Hx of mechanism followed by crying which subsides quickly
- Arm is held semi-flexed, adducted, and pronated
- ROM is refused - Resistance noted with attempted supination
- Tender over radial head
- No swelling or ecchymosis
dx? imaging?
radial head subluxation
imaging not needed unless sus of other injury (X-ray)
management for radial head subluxation
-
Reduction
- Premedicate with Tylenol or Motrin
- 2 techniques: Supination-flexion; Hyperpronation - Immediate re-assessment of NV status
- After 15-30 minutes
- no improvement (full flexion and supination): reattempt reduction
- 3-4 attempts would be acceptable - Reduction less successful if 1-2 days after injury
- Failed reduction
- Order radiographs
- Splint (posterior long-arm) and refer to ortho - Successful reduction
- Tylenol/Motrin prn
- +/- sling
- Parent education
how to perform supination-flexion reduction?
- Hold the elbow with the your thumb overlying the radial head
- Quickly supinate fully
- Followed by complete flexion
how to perform hyperpronation reduction?
- Hold the elbow with the your thumb overlying the radial head
- Hyperpronate the forearm
- Followed by complete extension then flexion
EBM states that this technique is often more effective the first time and may be less painful for radial head subluxation
hyperpronation reduction technique
which epicondylitis is MC
- Lateral: wrist extensors (aka tennis elbow) - MC
- Medial: wrist flexors (aka golfers elbow)
MOI of epicondylitis?
MC in what age group?
- Chronic repetitive overuse resulting in micro-trauma at tendon insertion; Acute strain due to excessive loading
- MC between 30-50
- Pain with wrist extension and gripping
- Shaking hands, using computer mouse, use of screwdriver, back-handed tennis swing - Point tenderness 1 cm distal to epicondyle
- Pain with ROM against resistance (elbow extended) - wrist extension and supination
dx?
Lateral (Tennis Elbow) Epicondylitis
- Pain with arm pronation and wrist flexion, grip pain/weakness
- Golf swing, overhead throwing, bowling - Point tenderness 1 cm distal to epicondyle
- Pain with ROM against resistance (elbow extended) - wrist flexion and pronation
dx?
Medial (Golfer’s Elbow) Epicondylitis
Dx and Tx for epicondylitis
- Normal AP and lateral elbow (not needed for dx)
- Activity modification, NSAIDs (topical or oral), Ice after use
- Refer to PT if failure of conservative tx - PT after initial pain subsides
- Bracing - Counterforce brace
- Steroid injection x 3 max
- Refer to ortho if symptoms persist for 6 months of conservative therapy
Causes of olecranon bursitis
- Trauma - Fall, direct blow to elbow
-
Inflammation
- Excessive leaning on the elbow
- systemic inflammatory conditions - RA, gout etc. - Infection - Septic bursitis - MC staph and strep
- Gradual or sudden swelling of the bursa
- Up to 6 cm in diameter
- As the swelling subsides small lumps of scar tissue will remain -
+/- pain, tenderness, limited ROM
- More so in trauma and infectious etiologies
- Chronic recurrent swelling is less tender - Redness and warmth in acute bursitis
olecranon bursitis
diagnostics for olecranon bursitis (2)
- Aspiration - for large, symptomatic bursa - CBC, Gram stain, C&S, Crystals
- AP and lateral elbow x-ray - if hx of trauma
management for mild olecranon bursitis w/o sepsis
Activity modification and NSAIDs
Use of an elbow pad, compression during acute phase
- management for significant swelling olecranon bursitis w/o sepsis?
- management if swelling persists?
Aspirate, apply compression bandage, and f/u in 2-7 days
- If fluid returns and cx are negative repeat aspiration and re-cx
- If cx remain negative but swelling persists, aspiration and injection of 1 mL of corticosteroid into the bursal sac
management for Mild, with no immunosuppression, septic olecranon bursitis
- Oral Bactrim
- Alt. cephalexin - Abx therapy tailored to culture and sensitivity once available
management for septic olecranon bursitis with severe presentation/immunocomp
-
IV vancomycin
- Add Cipro or pip-taz if associated with trauma - Abx therapy tailored to culture and sensitivity once available
presentation of severe olecranon bursitis (septic)
- Systemic toxicity (fever, hypotension, tachycardia)
- Rapid progression or progression 48 hours after abx
- Unable to tolerate oral therapy
- Close indwelling medical device - ex: prosthetic joint or vascular graft
MOI of forearm fx
- Direct blow
- FOOSH
Radial midshaft fracture associated with instability of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ)
which type of complicated forearm fx?
Galeazzi fracture
Fracture of the proximal third of the ulnar shaft associated with dislocation of the radial head due to instability of the proximal radioulnar joint (PRUJ)
which type of complicated forearm fx?
Monteggia fracture
indications for emergent ( < 1 hr) ortho referral for forearm
- arterial compromise
- open fx
Indications for urgent ( < 24 hr) ortho referral for forearm fx in adults
- ulnar shaft fx with < 50% apposition or >10 degrees angulation
- any DRUJ or PRUJ instability
- peripheral nerve injury
- displacement
indications for priority (24-72 hr) ortho referral for forearm fx in adults
- isolated radial shaft fx with any displacement
- both-bones fx, even with min or no displacement
- isolated proximal 3rd ulna fx
management for Simple, isolated, fx of the ulnar shaft (middle-distal ⅓)
< 50% displacement, < 10% angulation before or after closed reduction and no joint involvement
-
Long-arm posterior splint
- Elbow at 90 degrees
- Forearm in neutral position
- Slight wrist extension - After 1-3 wks - functional forearm brace x 4-6 wks
- F/u x-rays to ensure alignment at 1 wk and then q4wk until complete healing has occurred (usually 8 wks)
management with Double sugar tong splint and refer these presentations to Ortho: (3)
- Isolated radial fractures
- Combined radius-ulna fracture
- Galeazzi or Monteggia fracture
MC MOI of wrist fx
FOOSH
common types of wrist fx
which is MC?
- Colles fx (MC) - the distal radius fracture fragment is tilted dorsally
- Smith’s fx - the distal radial fragment is tilted volarly
presentation of wrist fxs?
diagnostics?
- Acute pain, tenderness, swelling
- Deformity of the wrist
- Colles - “dinner fork” deformity (dorsal)
- Smith’s - “garden spade” deformity (volar) - diagnostics - wrist XR series
management for nondisplaced or minimally displaced and non-articular wrist fx
-
Sugar tong splint / short arm cast x 2-3 wks
- Casts should not be placed until 72 hours after injury - AP and lateral radiographs each week x 2 wks
management for Displaced and open wrist fractures
ORIF
Most common carpal fx?
MC in what pt demographic?
scaphoid fx
young men
for scaphoid, blood supply enters where?
at the distal ⅓ of the bone
complications of scaphoid fx
- High incidence of delayed diagnosis
- Non-union
- Avascular necrosis
- Wrist pain/swelling along radial aspect
- Tenderness along the anatomical snuff box
- Grip and ROM may be painful/weak/limited
scaphoid fx
diagnostics for scaphoid fx
-
Wrist series + Scaphoid (navicular) view
- PA view with the wrist in ulnar deviation - CT/MRI if x-rays remain negative and suspicion is high
management for Nondisplaced scaphoid fx or negative x-rays
- Thumb spica splint/cast x 6 wks
- Refer to ortho
-
Repeat x-rays in 7-14 d if initially negative
- If negative and tenderness persists → CT/MRI
management for displaced scaphoid fx
- ORIF
- Percutaneous pin placement
Compression of which nerve that causes carpal tunnel syndrome
median
RF for carpal tunnel syndrome
- Repetitive wrist movements
- Wrist injury
- Pregnancy
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Familial (idiopathic)
- Multiple systemic conditions
- Burning, tingling pain over the median nerve distribution of the hand
- Exacerbated by activity and at night - Aching pain radiating to elbow and shoulder
- Physical Exam
- Tinel’s and Phalen’s signs
- Carpal compression test
- The hand elevation test
- Grip weakness
- Thenar atrophy (late)
dx?
w/u?
management
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- EMG/NCS
- Activity modification; Cock-up wrist splint; Corticosteroid injection; Refer for to ortho for carpal tunnel release - Failure of >3 m of conservative therapy; Objective neuro findings / thenar muscle atrophy
metacarpal fx are MC in what pt demographic?
adults
Mc fx in the hand is?
Boxer’s fracture: Fracture of 4th and/or 5th metacarpal that results from a closed fist striking an object
phalangeal fx are MC in what pt demographic? involving which structure?
children - Involving the physis of the 5th phalange
MC phalangeal fx in adults?
The distal phalanx is the most commonly injured
presentation of metacarpal/phalangeal fx?
what type of fx is MC malrotated?
- History of trauma
- Local tenderness, swelling, deformity and decreased ROM
- Boxer’s fracture are most likely to be malrotated - Assess distal NV status
diagnostics for metacarpal/phalangeal fx?
XR hand series
management for metacarpal neck fx w/ >30 angulation?
reduction
open or closed reduction followe by splint/casting
management for metacarpal neck fx w/ < 30 angulation?
splint x 2-3 wks
- 4 / 5th metacarpal = Ulnar Gutter Splint
- 2nd and 3rd metacarpal = Radial Gutter Splint
management for Non-displaced fractures of the 2-5th metacarpal/phalangeal shaft
Splint for 3-4 weeks
- Metacarpal - gutter splint
- Phalangeal fracture - buddy tape or aluminum splint
management for Non-displaced 1st metacarpal/phalangeal fx
Thumb-spica splint, wrist in 30 degrees of extension
management for Non-displaced/non-articular 1st metacarpal base
Thumb spica splint/cast x 4 wks
management for Displaced/angulated metacarpal/phalangeal shaft fracture or intra-articular fractures
- Refer/consult ortho for further evaluation
- Closed vs open reduction and fixation
cause/MOI of gamekeeper’s thumb
- Rupture of the ulnar collateral ligament of the 1st MCP joint
- Forced radial abduction
presentation of gamekeeper’s thumb
- Pain, swelling and tenderness along the medial 1st MCP joint
- Weak pincer function
- Stress testing after local anesthesia
diagnostics and tx for gamekeeper’s thumb
- 1st phalange finger series
- Thumb spica splint; Refer to ortho for surgical repair
cause/MOI of mallet finger
- A rupture, laceration, or avulsion of the extensor tendon at the distal phalanx
- Hyperflexion of DIP
presentation of mallet finger
- DIP is flexed at 40° with the inability to actively extend
- PROM is intact
- Mild tenderness over dorsal DIP
- May be associated with an avulsion fx of the distal phalanx
diagnostics and tx for mallet finger?
How long?
complication if not tx properly?
- finger series - r/o avulsion fx
- finger splint
- DIP in full extension x 4-8wks
- cannot be removed - swan neck deformity - hyperextension of PIP w/ flexion of DIP
cause/MOI of boutonniere deformity
- Rupture of the central slip of the extensor tendon where it inserts on the middle phalanx
- Forced flexion of the PIP
-
Deformity: Finger is held partially flexed at the PIP and extended or hyperextended at the DIP
- May not be as noticeable due to swelling - Swelling, pain, point tenderness along the dorsal PIP
- Limited ROM - Inability to fully extend the PIP - remains flexed at 30°
dx?
w/u?
tx?
When to refer?
Boutonniere Deformity
- Finger series to r/o avulsion fx
- Splint PIP in extension leaving DIP free x 4-8 wks; Refer to ortho if: If conservative therapy fails, Associated irreducible PIP dislocation, or Associated open fx
Inflammation of the tendon sheath covering the extensor/abductor tendons of the thumb
Overuse syndrome
dx?
De Quervain Tenosynovitis
- Aching pain and point tenderness along the radial aspect of the wrist with use
- Pain may radiate up arm
- Thickened 1st dorsal compartment, creating a prominence at the radial styloid
- Finkelstein test is diagnostic - Ulnar deviation of an adducted thumb reproduces pain
dx?
tx?
De Quervain Tenosynovitis
- Thumb spica splint
- Activity modification
- NSAID’s
- Refer to ortho if conservative therapy fails
- Corticosteroid injections into tendon sheath
- Surgical release of the first dorsal compartment
- A fluid-filled swelling overlying a joint or tendon sheath - Filled with clear, gelatinous, sticky, or mucoid fluid
- MC location - dorsal aspect of wrist
- MC in females ages 10-40
- Thought to occur as a result of mucoid degeneration of periarticular structures
dx?
Ganglion Cyst
Localized intermittent pain/tenderness
Cyst is firm, smooth, rounded, rubbery
May fluctuate in size over time
Transillumination will help differentiate cyst from solid lesion
dx?
w/u?
management?
Ganglion Cyst
1.X-ray - R/o bony pathology; US/MRI if atypical presentation
2. Observation - MC spontaneously regress; Aspiration +/- injection of a corticosteroid; Surgical removal
An idiopathic dysfunction of the flexor tendon of the finger as is glides through the tendon sheath
Often due to a discrepancy in the size of the tendon and is sheath
dx?
which fingers are MC affected?
trigger finger
3rd and 4th
-
Catching, snapping or locking of the involved finger(s)
- Often worse upon awakening
- More than one finger may be affected - Associated with pain and dysfunction
- Painful nodule on the palm
dx?
management?
trigger finger
-
NSAIDs, +/- corticosteroid injection into the tendon sheath
- If persist: 2nd injection in 3-4 wks - Failure of conservative therapy (including two injections) → surgical release
Patients with what other condition are at increased risk for tendon rupture and should only have one corticosteroid injection when treating Trigger finger
RA
- A progressive fibrosis of the palmar fascia
- MC - men > 50 yrs old
dx?
which structure is MC affected?
- dupuytren contracture
- 4th phalange
RF for Dupuytren Contracture
- Epilepsy
- DM
- pulmonary disease
- alcoholism
- smoking
- repetitive vibrational trauma
- One or more painless nodules near the distal palmar crease
- The nodules gradually thicken leading to a cord that contracts
- ROM - Flexion is normal, but extension is limited
dx?
w/u?
tx?
- Dupuytren Contracture
- clinical dx
- Management:
- Night splinting - not curative, but may slow the progression
-
Surgery release
- Indicated if 30° fixed flexion of the MCP
- Involves excising thickened soft-tissue bands and release of joint contractures
MOI of brachial plexus syndrome
-
Traction force - the shoulder is forcefully depressed & the head / neck are tilted toward the opposite side
- Damages C5, C6, and C7 roots -
Direct blow to the top of the shoulder
- Damages C5, C6, and C7 roots -
Stretching of the plexus when the arm is abducted forcefully
- Grabbing something while falling
- Damages C8 and T1 roots
presentation of brachial plexus syndrome
- Sharp, burning shoulder pain with radiculopathy in the affected nerve root distribution
- Weakness is common
- Evaluate sensation to light touch, motor function, & DTRs
- Any injuries to C8-T1 may be associated with Horner’s syndrome
- Assess lower extremities for spinal cord involvement
- Look for associated injuries
diagnostics for brachial plexus syndrome
- X-Rays - C-spine and shoulder to look for associated injuries
- CT C-spine - r/o C-spine fx if x-ray abnml
-
MRI - Best for visualizing the spinal cord and nerve roots
- Indicated if: x-rays abnml or sx persists - EMG/NCS - May help differentiate specific location of nerve dysfunction
management for brachial plexus syndrome?
Pt ed for athletes?
-
conservative
- Strengthening and stretching exercises
- Splinting in neutral position of any joints affected by paralyzed muscles
- Encourage PROM to reduce joint stiffness or tendon constrictures - Athletes must have complete resolution of sx and normal PE before allowed to return to activity
5 Structures of the Thoracic Outlet
- First rib
- Subclavian artery and vein
- Brachial plexus
- Clavicle
- Lung apex
- Compression of the brachial plexus and/or subclavian vessels as they exit the narrow space between the superior shoulder girdle and the 1st rib
- Most commonly affects women 20-50 y/o
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- Aching pain/paresthesia
- Intermittent swelling & discoloration
- Fatigue, weakness, and aching pain of extremity
- exacerbated by lifting the arm above the head
- Palpate supraclavicular fossa to assess for a mass
- Palpate for distal UE pulses
- Check sensation & motor function cervical nerve roots
- (+) Elevated arm stress test
dx?
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
how to perform elevated arm stress test?
- Both shoulders abducted at least 90 degrees and supported posteriorly. The patient opens & closes fists at a moderate speed for 3 minutes.
- POSITIVE test if reproduced neuro &/or vascular s/s
diagnostics for thoracic outlet syndrome
-
X-Ray
- AP & lateral C-spine - r/o congenital anomalies
- PA/lateral CXR - r/o apical lung tumors - MRI - r/o cervical disc rupture or cervical spondylosis
management for thoracic outlet syndrome
- MC tx non-surgically
- 3-6 m home exercise programs
- Emphasize muscle strengthening & posture exercises - Avoid strenuous activities, placing straps over shoulders, and any activity that exacerbates symptoms
- NSAIDs, muscle relaxers, TENS unit