Upper Extremity Fractures Flashcards
MC clavicle fracture?
Middle 1/3 (80%)
MC fracture in children?
Clavicle
Common MOI for clavicle fracture
- Midshaft: direct blow from fall
- Lateral: blow to top of shoulder
Treatment of clavicle fracture
- Sling for comfort
- Most will heal on their own if fragments are touching
- ORIF may be necessary if fragments are way apart
Who is most affected by proximal humerus fractures?
- Female
- Elderly (65 yo)
- Open fractures are rare
When should a shoulder x-ray be ordered for suspected proximal humerus fracture?
Always - unless pain to palpation is past proximal 1/3 of the humerus
MC MOI for proximal humerus fracture?
Fall
Neuro injuries are MC in clavicle or proximal humerus fractures?
Proximal humerus
Treatment of proximal humerus fractures
- Good alignment should heal with sling only for 6 weeks
- May need ORIF, IM rod or hemiarthroplasty if malaligned or displaced
Treatment of proximal humerus dislocation if there is glenoid and humeral head destruction?
May require total shoulder arthroplasty
Most proximal and midshaft humeral fractures are ___ and treatment is:
- Non-displaced
- Treated conservatively
Typical cause of humeral shaft fractures?
- Trauma such as direct blow or bending force (less commonly from a fall on outstretched hand/elbow)
- Can result from strong muscle contraction w/high velocity throwing or arm wrestling
Shortening of upper arm with suspected humeral fracture suggests:
Significant displacement
What is the MC neuro injury of humeral fractures?
Radial nerve (results in weakness of wrist, fingers, thumb extension)
Types of humeral shaft fractures possible:
Spiral
Oblique
Transverse
Follow up schedule of humeral shaft fractures?
Every 2 weeks to x-ray and follow healing of bone
What can be done to prevent shoulder stiffness in upper extremity fractures?
Pendulum exercises while in splint or brace
How should a hanging cast be applied to a humeral shaft fracture?
Bivalved to allow for swelling
MOI of scapula fractures
- Direct blow or fall
- Always from a high energy injury
Which fracture requires 3 x-ray views of shoulder?
Scapula
Treatment of scapula fractures
If does NOT involve glenoid, can be treated conservatively w/sling
What is the MC dislocated major joint?
Glenohumeral (shoulder)
Who has the highest incidence of shoulder dislocation?
- 20 to 30 yo males
- 61 to 80 yo females
MC type of shoulder dislocation
Anterior (97%)
Anterior shoulder dislocation MOI
- Force that causes ER and abduction
- In elderly, it can be FOOSH
X-ray view for anterior shoulder dislocation?
Shoulder w/dedicated Y view
Treatment of anterior shoulder dislocation
- Closed reduction usually w/conscious sedation
- Sling and swathe for 2 weeks then begin pendulum exercises and gentle ROM
What should be done to ensure proper reduction of anterior shoulder dislocation?
Always get a post-reduction x-ray