Week 1: Shoulder Girdle Fractures and Imaging

Question 1

What is the goal when screening for shoulder girdle fractures?

Answer 1

To determine if the patient belongs in our clinic, or if they need an outside referral

Question 2

Most common shoulder fractures

Answer 2

• Clavicle
• Surgical neck of humerus
• Anatomical neck of humerus
• Proximal humerus
• Mid-shaft of the humerus
• Greater tuberosity
• Scapula (rare)

Question 3

MOI for shoulder girdle fractures

Answer 3

• Mostly falls or direct trauma

- Secondary mechanisms

Question 4

What nerve should we be concerned about if there is a fracture in the shaft of the humerus?

Answer 4

Radial nerve

Question 5

Strategies for medical management of fractures

Answer 5

• Open reduction

- Closed reduction

Question 6

Open reduction of a fracture

Answer 6

Needs surgery

Question 7

Closed reduction of a fracture

Answer 7

No surgery needed

Question 8

Potential complications with a fracture

Answer 8

• Delayed union
• Non-union
• Malunion
• DVT/infection

Question 9

Delayed union

Answer 9

Fx heals, but in an unexpected timeframe

Question 10

Non-union

Answer 10

Fx does not heal, or partially heals

Question 11

Malunion

Answer 11

Fx heals, but not in proper alignment

Question 12

DVT/infection

Answer 12

Especially a concern if there was a surgery

Question 13

How does treatment of a fracture always start?

Answer 13

Immobilization and pain modulation

Question 14

How does treatment of a fracture usually progress?

Answer 14

PROM –> AAROM –> AROM and strengthening