Trauma - Upper Extremity Flashcards
(84 cards)
What happens if the radial bow of the radius is not repaired appropriately?
Results in loss of supination/pronation The radius rotated around the stationary ulna, requiring proper radial bow
Why is it important the central band of the IoM of the forearm not be cut (either via injury or iatrogenically)?
Sectioning the central band alone reduces forearm stability by 71%
What must you monitor for in forearm fractures (especially both bones forearm fractures)?
Compartment syndrome Bc these usually come from high energy traumas
On what principle is plate fixation the treatment of choice of radius and ulna fractures based on
That the radius and ulna is considered a ‘joint’
What are the principles of plate fixation of the radius and ulna?
Restoring radial and ulnar length (prevents subluxation of the PRUJ/DRUJ) - use bone graft acutely if requird Restore rotational alignment Restore radial bow (essential for rotational function of the forearm)
How can you reduce the risk of radioulnar synostosis?
Use separate incisions for bony fixation of the radius and ulna
What are the risk factors for post traumatic radioulnar synostosis?
Anything that increases inflammation between the bones: - Fracture of both bones at the same level - Closed head injury - Surgical delay > 2 weeks - Single incision for fixation of both bone forearm fractures - Penetration of the interosseous membrane by bone graft or screws, bone fragments or surgical instruments - Crush injury - Infection
What are the major complications of both bones forearm fracture
Non/malunion Infection Neurovascular injury Volkmann’s ischaemic contracture Post traumatic radioulnar synostosis
What is a Monteggia fracture?
Fracture of the proximal ulnar with dislocation of the radial head
What is a nightstick injury? Why is it a unique type if ulnar fracture?
Isolated ulnar shaft fracture from a direct blow to the subcutaneous border. It’s unique bc it is an isolated injury, whereas most ulnar fractures are associated with either a radial injury or a PRUJ/DRUJ injury bc of the ring principle of the forearm
What is the classification for Monteggia fractures?
Bado classification: depends on direction of radial head dislocation - Type 1: anterior dislocation of the radial head with fracture of the ulnar diaphysis at any level with anterior angulation. Mechanism is forced pronation of the forearm - Type 2: posterior/ posterolateral dislocation of the radial head with fracture of the ulnar diaphysis with posterior angulation. Mechanism is axial loading of the forearm with a flexed elbow - Type 3: lateral/anterolateral dislocation of the radial head with fracture of the ulnar metaphysis. Mechanism is forced abduction of the elbow - Type 4: anterior dislocation of the radial head with fractures of the radius and ulna within the proximal 1/3 at the same level. Same mechanism as type 1 but the radius fails also
What is the indication for operative management of a nightstick fracture?
Non-op management unless displaced: >10 degrees angulated in any plane >50% displaced ORIF with 3.5mm DCP
What is the management of Monteggia fractures?
ORIF is the rule for adults (paediatrics may be treated closed) Closed reduction of radial head and restoration of ulnar length is a must. ORIF of ulnar shaft with 3.5mm DCP. Radial head generally reduces once you fix the ulna
When is non-union most commonly seen with Monteggia fractures?
Bado type 2
When is nerve injury most commonly seen with Monteggia fractures?
Bado type 2 & 3 Involved radial/median nerves +- PIN/AIN
What is the management of radial head redislocation following Monteggia fracture ORIF?
If < 6 weeks post-op, repeat ORIF ulna +- open reduction of radial head If > 6 weeks post-op, radial head excision
What percentage of distal 1/3 radius fractures involve the DRUJ?
All until proven otherwise Fractures of the proximal 2/3 may be considered truly isolated if no other injuries
What is a Galeazzi fracture?
Fracture of the radial diaphysis at the distal 2/3 junction with associated disruption of the DRUJ
What injury is the “Fracture of necessity” and why is it called that?
Galeazzi fracture. Bc it necessitates an ORIF to achieve a good result”
What is the management of galeazzi fractures?
ORIF
Describe the galeazzi variants:
Fractures may occur anywhere along the radius and be associated with fractures of both the radius and ulna with DRUJ instability
A fracture in what area is at increased risk of galeazzi fracture?
Distal 7.5cm of the radius
A radius fracture in the distal 7.5cm is associated with what injury?
DRUJ injury - aka a Galeazzi fracture
What are the deforming forces that contribute to a loss of reduction in nonoperative management of a radialmsuaft/galeazzi fracture?
- Weight of the hand: dorsal angulation of the fracture and subluxation of the DRUJ - Pronator quadratus insertion: pronates the distal fragment with proximal and volar displacement - Brachioradialis: causes proximal displacement and shortening - Thumb extensors and abductors: shortening and relaxation of the radial collateral Iigament, allowing displacement of the fracture despite immobilization of the wrist in ulnar deviation