Dr.Wael Abboud (Trauma OB Part 5) بسم اهلل الرحمن الرحيم Trauma OB (421) 401-Which of the following radiographs (Figures A-E) are most characteristic of an anterior coronal shear fracture of the distal humerus? FIGURES: A B C D E Dr.Wael Abboud (Trauma OB Part 5) Dr.Wael Abboud (Trauma OB Part 5) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Figure A Figure B Figure C Figure D Figure E PREFERRED RESPONSE ▼ 3 McKee et al described a unique "shear fracture of the distal articular surface of the humerus" which involved coronal fractures of the capitellum and a portion of the trochlea. He described the characteristic radiographic finding as the "double-arc sign" which represents the subchondral bone of the displaced capitellum and lateral trochlea ridge. Figure C and Illustration A (below) demonstrate the radiographic "double-arc" finding. Figure A shows a radial head fracture. Figure B shows an elbow dislocation. Figure D shows a pediatric lateral condyle fracture. Figure E shows a pediatric medial epicondyle apophyseal avulsion fracture. Dr.Wael Abboud (Trauma OB Part 5) 402-What is the most common complication of the fracture seen in figure A, if operatively treated as seen in figure B? FIGURES: A B Dr.Wael Abboud (Trauma OB Part 5) 1. Decreased elbow range of motion 2. Wound healing complications 3. Iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury 4. Inadvertent intra-articular hardware penetration 5. Nonunion of either distal humerus fracture or olecranon osteotomy PREFERRED RESPONSE ▼ 1 Decreased elbow range of motion is the most common complication after open reduction internal fixation of distal humerus fractures. Per Galano et al, this loss of motion can arise from "a variety of causes, including articular incongruity or adhesions, capsular contractures, loose bodies, heterotopic ossification, and prominent hardware." Other complications include nonunion of the distal humerus (210%) and ulnar neuropathy (0-12%). Dr.Wael Abboud (Trauma OB Part 5) 403-A patient sustains a transection of the posterior cord of the brachial plexus from a knife injury. This injury would affect all of the following muscles EXCEPT? QID: 658 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Subscapularis Latissimus dorsi Supraspinatus Teres minor Brachioradialis PREFERRED RESPONSE ▼ 3 The posterior cord of the brachial plexus gives rise to the 1) upper subscapular nerve 2) lower subscapular nerve 3) thoracodorsal nerve 4) axillary nerves 5) radial nerve. The upper subscapular nerve innervates the subscapularis. The lower subscapular nerve innervates teres major and also subscapularis. The thoracodorsal nerve innervates latissimus dorsi. The axillary nerves innervates deltoid and teres minor. The radial nerve innervates the triceps, brachioradialis, wrist extensors, and finger extensors. The supraspinatus is innervated by the suprascapular nerve off the upper trunk and therefore would not be affected by an injury to the posterior cord. The anatomy of the brachial plexus is shown in Illustration A. Dr.Wael Abboud (Trauma OB Part 5) 404-Which of the following is true regarding anterior sternoclavicular joint dislocations? QID: 387 1. Reduction may result in tracheal injury 2. They are usually stable following closed reduction 3. They require fusion to hold the reduction 4. They are rarely symptomatic when left unreduced 5. They should be treated acutely with medial clavicle excision PREFERRED RESPONSE ▼ 4 From the Bicos article, “Anterior SC joint instability should primarily be treated conservatively. The patients should be informed that there is a high risk of persistent instability with nonoperative or operative care, but that the persistent instability will be well tolerated and have little functional impact in the vast majority. Therefore, operative intervention for anterior SC joint instability is mainly cosmetic in nature." Dr.Wael Abboud (Trauma OB Part 5) 405-A 16-year-old male fell from a roof onto his right shoulder and presents with decreased pulses in his right upper extremity. Imaging reveals a posterior sternoclavicular dislocation. What is the best treatment at this time? QID: 15 1. Nonoperative treatment with a sling and swathe for six weeks 2. Nonoperative treatment with immediate active range of motion of the shoulder 3. Closed reduction in the emergency room 4. Open reduction and percutaneous pinning with thoracic surgery back-up 5. Open reduction and ligament reconstruction with thoracic surgery back-up PREFERRED RESPONSE ▼ 5 Symptomatic acute posterior sternoclavicular dislocations in adolescents should undergo open reduction and ligament (costoclavicular) reconstruction with thoracic surgery back-up. In patients younger than age 20-25, this is usually a physeal injury, as the medial clavicular physis does not close until this age range. Chronic anterior or posterior dislocations are recommended to be treated conservatively, especially if not symptomatic. The review article by Wirth and Rockwood notes the following complications with posterior dislocation: respiratory distress, venous congestion or arterial insufficiency, brachial plexus compression, and myocardial conduction abnormalities. They recommend reconstruction of the costoclavicular ligaments with resection of the medial clavicular head as needed for unstable injuries. The referenced article by Waters et al noted 100% excellent shortterm outcomes in adolescents with open reduction and Dr.Wael Abboud (Trauma OB Part 5) reconstruction of the costoclavicular ligament in pure dislocations or with suture fixation of the medial physis in physeal injuries. 406-A 33-year-old female with generalized ligamentous laxity is diagnosed with spontaneous atraumatic subluxation of the sternoclavicular joint. She notes mild, intermittent pain and a small amount of prominence to that area. What is the most appropriate treatment at this time? QID: 16 1. No treatment is indicated at this time 2. Figure of eight brace 3. Resection arthroplasty of the sternoclavicular joint 4. Sternoclavicular and costoclavicular ligament reconstruction 5. Sternoclavicular arthrodesis PREFERRED RESPONSE ▼ 1 Spontaneous atraumatic subluxaton of the sternoclavicular joint is a rare condition and is generally associated with ligamentous laxity. Higginbotham et al reported that spontaneous atraumatic anterior subluxation of the sternoclavicular joint may occur during overhead elevation of the arm. The majority of cases are not painful, and the subluxation usually reduces with lowering the arm. Surgery is rarely indicated. Nonsurgical management, including patient education of the benign nature of the condition, is recommended. Rockwood et al reviewed a series of 37 patients with this condition and noted that at an average follow-up of eight years, the twenty-nine patients who were treated non-operatively had excellent results, with no limitations of activity or changes in lifestyle. The eight patients who were treated operatively (group II) had numerous problems, including noticeable scars, persistent instability, pain, or limitation of activity that resulted in an alteration in lifestyle. The referenced article by Higginbotham is a review of atraumatic disorders of the sternoclavicular joint. Dr.Wael Abboud (Trauma OB Part 5) 407-A 33-year-old secretary presents three months after a motor vehicle collision with a mild asymmetry to her sternal area. She denies any complaints of respiratory distress, dysphagia, or upper extremity paresthesias. Her upper extremity neurovascular exam shows no deficits. A 3-D computed tomography image is shown in Figure A. What is the most appropriate treatment for this patient? FIGURES: A 1. Nonoperative treatment with a sling and unrestricted activity in 3 months 2. Nonoperative treatment with immediate unrestricted active range of motion of the shoulder 3. Closed reduction in the office with local anesthetic 4. Closed reduction in the operating room with thoracic surgery back-up 5. Open reduction in the operating room with thoracic surgery back-up PREFERRED RESPONSE ▼ 2 The clinical presentation is consistent with a chronic sternoclavicular dislocation, which is defined as being greater than 3 weeks old. The 3D CT image shows posterior displacement of Dr.Wael Abboud (Trauma OB Part 5) the medial clavicle relative to the sternum. Chronic anterior or posterior dislocations are recommended to be treated conservatively, especially if not symptomatic. Nonoperative treatment with immediate range of motion of the shoulder is indicated in this patient. The review article by Wirth and Rockwood notes the following complications with posterior dislocation: respiratory distress, venous congestion or arterial insufficiency, brachial plexus compression, and myocardial conduction abnormalities. They recommend reconstruction of the costoclavicular ligaments with resection of the medial claviclar head as needed for unstable or symptomatic injuries. 408-A 35-year-old right hand dominant man falls from a ladder and sustains the injury seen in Figure A. When discussing the risks and benefits of operative versus nonoperative treatment for his fracture, which of the following is true? FIGURES: A 1. 2. No difference in shoulder function Higher risk of nonunion with operative management Dr.Wael Abboud (Trauma OB Part 5) 3. Higher risk of symptomatic malunion with nonoperative management 4. Earlier return to sport with nonoperative management 5. No difference in union rates PREFERRED RESPONSE ▼ 3 Historically, displaced midshaft clavicle fractures, as seen in Figure A, were managed nonoperatively. Recent literature has demonsrated improved outcomes with operative management of these fractures. Khan et al review current concepts in the management of clavicle fractures. For displaced midshaft clavice fractures, operative treatment seems to result in improved patient and surgeon-based outcomes, decreased rates of malunion and nonunion, and shorter time to union. Kim and McKee review recent evidence regarding the management of clavicle fractures. For midshaft clavicle fractures, the incidence of nonunion and symptomatic malunion with nonoperative management is higher than previously believed. They state that risk factors include 100% displacement, comminution, increasing age and female gender. Incorrect Answers Answer 1. Recent randomized prospective trials have shown improved short term shoulder function with operative management of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. Answer 2. Nonunion rates of 7-15% have been shown with nonoperative management versus 2% with operative fixation Answer 4. Earlier return to activities has been reported with operative management Answer 5. As with answer 2, there is a significantly higher rate of nonunion with nonoperative management 409-What is the preferred treatment of displaced distal clavicle fractures in children less than eight years old? QID: 3182 Dr.Wael Abboud (Trauma OB Part 5) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Closed reduction and pinning of the fracture Open reduction and plating Sling immobilization Coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction Open reduction and suture fixation PREFERRED RESPONSE ▼ 3 Pediatric distal clavicle fractures are typically treated nonoperatively because of the great osteogenic capacity of the intact inferior periosteum. The coracoclavicular ligaments remain attached to the periosteum and new bone fills any remaining bony gaps within the periosteal sleeve. Recent articles by Nenopoulos et al recommend sling immobilization for the majority of fractures (84%) and only attempt surgical fixation for children >8 years old with severely displaced fractures (>2 cortical diameters). They found excellent function with conservative treatment and union in all fractures. Surgical care resulted in improved cosmetic appearance. 410-A 32-year-old female sustains an isolated midshaft clavicle fracture, as shown in Figure A. Her clinical exam does not reveal skin tenting or neurovascular injury, but shortening is measured at 2.6 cm. Which of the following treatment methods has been shown to have the lowest rate of nonunion and symptomatic malunion? FIGURES: A Dr.Wael Abboud (Trauma OB Part 5) 1. Open reduction and internal fixation with plating 2. Open reduction and percutaneous pinning 3. Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning 4. Closed reduction and external fixation 5. Nonoperative treatment with a sling and early range of motion PREFERRED RESPONSE ▼ 1 Figure A shows a left clavicle fracture with significant shortening. Open reduction and internal fixation with plate and screw constructs of displaced, shortened clavicle fractures has been shown to lead to the best patient reported functional outcomes as well as have the least incidence of nonunion and symptomatic malunion. Factors associated with poor functional outcome as well as nonunion in these injuries include fracture displacement >2cm, fracture comminution, fracture displacement > 100%, female gender, and advancing age. The referenced article by Khan et al is an excellent review of the indications, treatment methods and outcomes of clavicle fractures. Dr.Wael Abboud (Trauma OB Part 5) 411-Which of the following factors increase the risk of nonunion in midshaft clavicle fractures when treated nonoperatively? QID: 440 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Sling immobilization Displacement and comminution Age less than 40 years old Immediate motion exercises Male PREFERRED RESPONSE ▼ 2 Robinson et al have shown that lack of cortical apposition, comminution, female gender, and advancing age are the 4 factors that contribute to nonunion. The Canadian Orthopaedic Trauma Society in a randomized, prospective study showed that for midshaft fracture in adults with 100% displacement, ORIF results in improved DASH and Constant scores (p = 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively), lower nonunion (2 vs. 7, p=0.042) & lower malunion (0 vs. 9, p=0.001). Surgery resulted in quicker radiographic union (16.4 weeks vs. 28.4 weeks, p=0.001). However, 15% had hardware and wound complications. At one year, the operative group was more likely to be satisfied with the shoulder in general (p=0.002) and the appearance of the shoulder in particular (p=0.001) in comparison to the nonoperative group. Prior studies have shown that greater than 2cm of shortening treated non-operatively results in increased fatigueability and poor outcome, but not necessarily nonunion. The Lazarides article concluded that “Final clavicular shortening of more than 18 mm in male patients and of more than 14 mm in female patients was significantly associated with an unsatisfactory result.” Studies have shown no difference in outcome when treated with a Figure-of-8 harness compared to a simple sling. Dr.Wael Abboud (Trauma OB Part 5) 412-A 20-year-old woman is involved in a high-speed motor vehicle collision and sustains bilateral tibial plateau fractures as well as the clavicle fracture shown in Figure A. What is the most appropriate management of the clavicular injury? FIGURES: A 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Closed reduction and figure of 8 splinting Open reduction and plate fixation Open reduction and percutaneous pinning Simple sling to involved side Sling with abduction pillow to involved side PREFERRED RESPONSE ▼ 2 The radiograph shows a comminuted clavicle fracture with significant displacement. Indications for surgical fixation of clavicle fractures include: open fractures, underlying neurovascular injury, or impending open fracture from internal bony pressure causing skin compromise. Relative indications for fixation include: greater than 15 mm of shortening, greater than 100% displacement (no bony contact), highly comminuted fractures, and polytrauma patients. Dr.Wael Abboud (Trauma OB Part 5) Jeray et al review the evaluation and treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures. They state "when midshaft clavicular fractures are completely displaced or comminuted, and when they occur in elderly patients or females, the risk of nonunion, cosmetic deformity, and poor outcome may be markedly higher. Thus, some surgeons propose surgical stabilization of a complex midshaft clavicular fracture with either plate-and-screw fixation or intramedullary devices. Further randomized, prospective trials are needed to provide better data on which to base treatment decisions." 413-A 22-year-old male sustains a right shoulder injury after being thrown from his motorcycle. After six months of conservative treatment, he continues to complain of pain. A current radiograph is shown in Figure A. What is the most appropriate treatment? FIGURES: A 1. 2. 3. Addition of a bone stimulator Figure of eight brace Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning Dr.Wael Abboud (Trauma OB Part 5) 4. 5. Open reduction and internal fixation Open reduction and internal fixation with bone grafting PREFERRED RESPONSE ▼ 5 Figure A shows an atrophic clavicular nonunion. Observation is the wrong answer because the patient is symptomatic (if the patient is asymptomatic an atrophic nonunion of the clavicle can be observed unless neurovascular symptoms are present). Intramedullary fixation is difficult because the pin has to pass through thin atrophic ends of bone close to neurovascular structures. Percutaneous pinning may cause distraction and migration of K-wires is common. In the two referenced studies, the authors note success in treating these nonunions, when compression and lag-screw fixation (absolute stability) is used in conjunction with cancellous autograft. 414-A 45-year-old male falls onto his left shoulder while biking. An injury radiograph is shown in Figure A. He elects for nonoperative treatment. What is the most likely clinical outcome? FIGURES: A 1. 2. 3. Symmetric cosmesis of shoulders Reduced shoulder motion Symptomatic nonunion Dr.Wael Abboud (Trauma OB Part 5) 4. 5. Shoulder instability Decreased shoulder strength and endurance PREFERRED RESPONSE ▼ 5 Patients who have nonoperative treatment of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures have significant decreases in both strength and endurance to approximately 80% of the contralateral side as described by the McKee article. There was a trend correlating shortening >2cm with poor outcome (p=0.06). Motion was found to be preserved. In the Canadian Orthopaedic Trauma Society's landmark randomized control trial of operative versus nonoperative treatment for displaced clavicle fractures, patients treated nonoperatively had lower subjective outcomes scores, slower rates to union, more nonunions, more symptomatic malunions, and were less satisfied with the appearance of their shoulder. There were more hardware related complications in the operatively treated group. The second McKee article describes improvements in subjective outcome scores after midshaft clavicle malunion corrective osteotomy. 415-A 31-year-old male sustains the injury shown in Figure A. As compared to treatment with a simple sling, what is the primary advantage of treatment with a figure-of-eight brace? FIGURES: A Dr.Wael Abboud (Trauma OB Part 5) 1. Decreased sleep disturbance 2. Decreased personal care and hygiene impairment 3. Decreased rates of malunion 4. Improved long-term clinical outcomes 5. No advantage, equivalent result between a simple sling and figure-of-eight brace PREFERRED RESPONSE ▼ 5 Figure of eight braces have been shown to have no differences as compared to simple slings in regard to healing times, healing rates, and alignment at final follow-up. The referenced study by Andersen et al is a randomized controlled study showing equivalent cosmetic and clinical outcomes with sling versus figure of eight bracing despite increased sleep disturbances and increased rate of personal care impairment. The second referenced study by Nordqvist et al is a case series designed to analyze the long-term outcome of mid-clavicle fractures in adults and to evaluate the clinical importance of displacement and fracture comminution. They found a 39/225 rate of moderate shoulder pain with figure of eight bracing. Overall they concluded that few patients with fractures of the mid-part of the clavicle require operative treatment. Dr.Wael Abboud (Trauma OB Part 5) 416-The modified Judet approach to the posterior scapula exploits the internervous interval between what two muscles? QID: 520 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Supraspinatus and infraspinatus Supraspinatus and subscapularis Infraspinatus and teres minor Terers minor and teres major Teres major and lattisimus PREFERRED RESPONSE ▼ 3 The posterior or modified Judet approach to the scapula is typically used for internal fixation of scapular fractures. This approach utilizes a transverse incision over the scapular spine with detachment of the posterior deltoid. The interval between the infraspinatus (suprascapular n.) and teres minor (axillary n.) is identified and used to gain access to the posterior aspect of the scapula and glenoid. The reference by Obremskey et al argues the approach "combines several important goals including: 1) exposure of all bony elements of the scapula which have adequate bone stock for internal fixation; 2) minimal trauma to the rotator cuff musculature; and 3) protection of the major neurologic structures (suprascapular nerve superiorly and axillary nerve laterally)." They believe "the main advantage of the exposure is limiting muscular dissection, which can potentially improve rehabilitation and limit morbidity of the operation." 417-A patient sustains a displaced scapular neck fracture. What is the internervous plane for a posterior approach to the glenohumeral joint? QID: 783 Dr.Wael Abboud (Trauma OB Part 5) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. lateral pectoral-axillary subscapular-musculocutaneous suprascapular-axillary long thoracic-spinal accessory suprascapular-subscapular PREFERRED RESPONSE ▼ 3 Surgical fixation of a scapular neck fracture is performed via the Judet approach, a posterior approach to the scapula/glenoid. The internervous plane is between the infraspinatus (suprascapular nerve) and the teres minor (axillary nerve). As outlined by Ball et al, the posterior branch of the axillary nerve has intimate association with the inferior aspects of the glenoid and shoulder joint capsule, which may place it at particular risk during a posterior approach to the shoulder. 418-A 35-year-old male is involved in a motor vehicle accident and suffers the fracture shown in Figure A. This is an isolated shoulder injury, and he has no neurologic deficits on physical exam. CT scan of the scapula shows the glenoid to be translated medially 3mm, and anglulated 20 degrees from its anatomic axis. What is the most appropriate initial treatment for this injury? Dr.Wael Abboud (Trauma OB Part 5) FIGURES: A 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Immobilization in sling x 2 weeks then PT Immobilization in sling x 8 weeks then PT ORIF via a deltopectoral approach ORIF via a posterior approach ORIF via a lateral approach PREFERRED RESPONSE ▼ 1 The radiographs are consistent with a Type I extra-articular glenoid neck fracture, which by definition is not significantly displaced. Type I fractures are best treated with a sling (2 weeks) and early mobilization. Significantly displaced fractures (Type 2), as defined by Goss, have translational displacement greater than or equal to 1 cm or angulatory displacement greater than or equal to 40°. These typically need ORIF. A schematic of the fracture types is shown in Illustration A. McGahan et al review the epidemiology of scapula fractures and advocate conservative treatment with early mobilization. Van Noort et al reviewed 13 scapular neck fractures and found that non-operative treatment in the absence of ipsilateral shoulder injury and associated neurological impairment lead to good Dr.Wael Abboud (Trauma OB Part 5) functional outcomes, with or without significant translational displacement of the fracture. 419-In trauma patients with multiple injuries, patients with scapula fractures have been shown to have an association with which of the following, as compared to patients without scapula fractures? QID: 277 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Increased length of hospital stay Increased mortality rate Increased rate of extremity fracture(s) Increased Injury Severity Scores Increased length of intensive care unit stay PREFERRED RESPONSE ▼ 4 Dr.Wael Abboud (Trauma OB Part 5) According to the reference by Veysi et al, patients presenting to a trauma center with scapula fractures have an increased rate of pulmonary complications and increased Injury Severity Scores (ISS), but have no difference in mortality, length of ICU stay, or overall hospital stay. No differences were seen in abdominal or head injury rates either. A lower rate of extremity fractures was seen as compared to non-scapular fracture patients in their series. According to the referenced study by Brown et al, rib fx (44%) are the most common associated injury with scapula fractures. 420-A 30-year-old male sustains a right shoulder injury with initial radiographs shown in Figures A and B. What single piece of additional information would best assist in determining this patient's functional outcome? FIGURES: A B Dr.Wael Abboud (Trauma OB Part 5) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Lower extremity injury Neurological deficit Contralateral upper extremity injury Proximal humerus fracture Worker's compensation PREFERRED RESPONSE ▼ 2 Figures A and B show a scapulothoracic dissociation, with significant lateralization of the scapula and widening of the acromioclavicular joint to over 4 cm (Figure A). This can be thought of as an internal disarticulation of the scapulothoracic association and acromioclavicular joints. The referenced article by Riess et al revealed that functional outcomes are worse with brachial plexus injuries and concomitant scapulothoracic dissociation than with isolated brachial plexus injuries. In fact, at 2 year follow-up, only 57% of the dissociation patients could carry anything over 5 lb with the injured side. Dr.Wael Abboud (Trauma OB Part 5) The other referenced article by Zelle et al found that complete brachial plexus injuries portended the worst outcome for scapulothoracic dissociation injuries. 421-A patient presenting with scapulothoracic dissocation and ipsilateral extremity neurologic injury is most likely to have which of the following outcomes? QID: 3140 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Glenohumeral arthritis Return of 3/5 motor strength in distal extremity Full return of extremity sensory function only Flail extremity Death PREFERRED RESPONSE ▼ 4 Scapulothoracic dissociation is a high-energy injury resulting from massive traction injury to the shoulder girdle with disruption of the scapulothoracic articulation. The most common long term result from this injury is complete loss of motor and sensory function of the extremity (flail limb), with death in the acute or semi-acute period also common. The referenced study by Althausen et al found that outcomes from this injury were: a flail extremity in 52%, early amputation in 21%, and death in 10%. The other referenced study by Ebraheim et al found that 12/15 patients had a complete brachial plexus injury and that none recovered any function (the other 3 patients died in the acute period). Good Luck ………………… Dr.Wael Abboud (Trauma OB Part 5) Regards……………………..