Elbow Dislocations and Fractures Flashcards Preview

The Musculoskeletal System > Elbow Dislocations and Fractures > Flashcards

Flashcards in Elbow Dislocations and Fractures Deck (14)
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1
Q

Supracondylar fractures usually occur in which age group?

A

Children

2
Q

In order to minimise loss of function, how are intra-articular distal humeral fractures treated?

A
  1. Open reduction
  2. Internal fixation (ORIF)
3
Q

Which fracture commonly occurs with a fall ontop the point of the elbow with the triceps contracted?

A

Olecranon fracture

4
Q

What is a comminuted fracture?

A

A break into many pieces (more than 2)

5
Q

How can a simple avulsion olecranon fracture be treated?

A

Tension bend wiring

(compresses the tension side of the fracture)

6
Q

Comminuted olecranon fractures must be treated via which method?

A

ORIF with plate and screws

7
Q

Which fracture usually occurs when there is a fall onto an outstretched arm?

A

Radial head and neck fractures

8
Q

Some undisplaced radial head/neck fractures may not show up on X-ray except for which sign?

A

Fat pad sign

(usually seen on the lateral X-ray)

9
Q

How are undisplaced or minimally displaced radial head/neck fractures treated?

A
  1. Sling
  2. Early elbow exercises to minimise stiffness
10
Q

With a radial head/neck fracture it is common for patients to lose up to __ degrees of terminal extension

A

10-15 degrees

11
Q

How may displaced intra-articular radial head fractures be treated?

A

ORIF

(only if the fragment is large enough, otherwise it may be surgically excised)

12
Q

Most elbow disloations occur in the ________ direction

A

Most elbow disloations occur in the posterior direction

13
Q

In uncomplicated elbow dislocations what is the standard treatment?

A
  1. Closed reduction
  2. Assessment of neurovascular status pre and post reduction
  3. Short period in a sling (< 3 weeks)
  4. Elbow exercises
14
Q

Which fractures are commonly associated with elbow dislocation?

A
  1. Radial head
  2. Humeral epicondyle
  3. Coronoid process of the ulna

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