Elbow Dislocation Management Quiz

This type of elbow dislocation occurs when the radius and ulna are pushed forward (anteriorly) relative to the humerus.

This type of elbow dislocation is much more common and occurs when the radius and ulna are pushed backward (posteriorly) relative to the humerus.

Elbow dislocations can be categorized as simple or complex. Simple dislocations involve ligament damage without any associated fractures. Complex dislocations, however, involve both ligament damage and fractures.

The most common type of simple elbow dislocation, it is further subdivided by the direction of the ulna's displacement.

A serious elbow dislocation characterized by injuries to the coronoid process of the ulna, radial head, and a posterior lateral dislocation of the elbow joint. It may be associated with nerve damage and blood vessel injuries.

Treatment for simple posterior dislocation typically involves closed reduction (realignment of bones) under sedation, followed by immobilization in a cast or splint for several weeks. Early range of motion exercises are encouraged as much as possible.

Common mechanism of injury for PED, often caused by falling on an outstretched hand or elbow, leading to a force that unlocks the olecranon from the trochlea.

Complex dislocations involving associated fractures. The most common fractures include the radial head, coronoid process, and the olecranon.

Maneuver used to reduce a posterior elbow dislocation. The examiner interlocks their fingers with the patient's palm and uses their elbow to push down on the distal humerus while pulling the elbow back into place.

Early range of motion (ROM) is crucial to prevent stiffness after an elbow dislocation. It involves active movements within a limited range, gradually increasing over time.

A supportive device used to stabilize the elbow after a dislocation. It allows for controlled movement within a specific range, helping to prevent further injury while supporting healing.

A fracture of the radial head, usually caused by a fall on an outstretched arm. It often occurs with valgus pronation stress and tenderness over the radial head.

Forceful pressure on the inside of the elbow joint, potentially damaging the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and increasing instability.

Exercises that use muscles to move a joint against resistance, helping to strengthen the muscles surrounding the elbow.

The gradual process of regaining full movement in the elbow after a dislocation. It typically takes 6-8 weeks for flexion to return and 3-5 months for full extension.

A fracture of the upper third of the ulna with anterior displacement of the upper fragment of the ulna and anterior dislocation of the radius.

A fracture of the distal 1/3rd of the radius with dislocation or subluxation of the inferior radioulnar joint.

Minimally displaced fractures with up to 2mm of displacement.

Complete articular fractures with significant fragmentation.

Fracture of the radial head associated with an elbow dislocation.

Involves immobilization of the fractured area in a plaster cast for a specific duration.

A surgical procedure where bone fragments are secured together.

Removal of the radial head.

A chronic pain condition that develops after an injury, surgery, stroke, or heart attack. The pain is disproportionate to the initial injury, and it often affects one limb, causing pain, swelling, and changes in skin temperature and color.

The type of CRPS that often develops without a clear cause, but after an injury, surgery, stroke, or heart attack. Its symptoms include pain, swelling, and changes in blood vessels, often affecting one limb.

The type of CRPS that develops after a specific nerve injury. This type often causes pain, swelling, and changes in blood vessels, affecting one limb.

A treatment approach for CRPS that uses a mirror to provide visual feedback to the brain, aiming to reduce pain and improve limb movement.

A method to help people with CRPS gradually become less sensitive to touch and other sensations by gently exposing them to different stimuli.

Physical therapy exercises performed by the patient without the assistance of a therapist. These are used in CRPS to regain mobility and range of motion.

A treatment method for CRPS that applies electrical stimulation to the skin through electrodes, to reduce pain and inflammation.

A common treatment for a fracture involving the distal end of the radius, where the fractured bone is immobilized in slight palmar flexion and ulnar deviation.

A fracture at the lower end of the radius, approximately 2.5 cm above the joint surface, where the distal fragment of the radius is displaced anteriorly (towards the palm).

A specific type of wrist fracture where the fracture line runs through the joint surface (intra-articular) and involves a volar (palmar) displacement. It's like a Smith fracture but involves the joint surface.

A fracture of the bony prominence on the thumb side of the wrist (radial styloid), typically caused by compression of the scaphoid bone against the styloid during a fall.

The most common type of carpal fracture, often caused by a fall on an outstretched hand with a radially deviated wrist. Scaphoid fractures are characterized by pain in the anatomical snuffbox.

Early mobilization after surgery for a wrist fracture, usually starting about a week post-op. This involves passive range of motion initially, progressing to active range of motion as tolerated.

Focusing on regaining full range of motion by performing stretching exercises. Common stretches include bringing the wrist into extension or flexion.

A phase in wrist fracture rehabilitation involving strengthening exercises to improve the hand's strength and function.

The primary blood supply to the scaphoid bone, crucial for its healing and recovery.

Blood supply to the scaphoid bone enters at the distal pole, leaving the proximal pole vulnerable to avascular necrosis (bone death) due to lack of blood flow. This is a major complication of scaphoid fractures, especially those affecting the waist and proximal pole.

Scaphoid fractures, particularly those involving the waist and proximal pole, require prolonged immobilization (8-12 weeks) to promote healing. This is because the proximal pole has a poor blood supply, hindering bone repair.

A fracture of the scaphoid's distal pole generally heals within 2-3 weeks, while fractures of the waist and proximal pole necessitate 8-12 weeks of immobilization. This difference in healing time is attributed to the varying blood supply across different regions of the scaphoid.

A FOOSH mechanism, falling on an outstretched hand, can result in a fracture of the lunate bone. This fracture poses a significant risk of avascular necrosis (Kienbock's disease) due to the blood supply entering the distal end, leaving the proximal fragment isolated.

Tenderness in the lunate fossa, even without a confirmed fracture on radiographs, should raise suspicion of a lunate fracture. Axial compression along the third metacarpal, which forces the lunate against the examiner's finger, can enhance tenderness, further supporting the diagnosis.

Treatment for a lunate fracture depends on the severity. Non-displaced fractures are managed with a short arm cast for 4-6 weeks, while displaced fractures often require surgical fixation to restore bone alignment.

Bennett's fracture, a fracture at the base of the first metacarpal, is an intra-articular fracture, meaning it involves the joint surface. This specific type of fracture often requires surgical intervention to ensure proper healing and joint function.

A Bennett's fracture occurs at the base of the first metacarpal due to a force applied to the thumb, causing an oblique fracture. This injury often involves the joint surface, making it an intra-articular fracture.