Question

Difficulty: MediumOrthopedic Surgery

Match the following acute upper extremity orthopedic injuries with their most characteristic physical examination findings and anatomical disruptions.

  • Scaphoid fractureTenderness in the depression between the extensor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons
  • Lunate dislocationVolar wrist swelling with paresthesias in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
  • Monteggia fracture-dislocationProximal forearm deformity with a palpably dislocated radiocapitellar joint
  • Galeazzi fracture-dislocationDistal forearm deformity with a prominent, unstable ulnar head

Answer

Scaphoid fracture matches with anatomic snuffbox tenderness. Lunate dislocation matches with volar swelling and median nerve paresthesias. Monteggia fracture-dislocation matches with proximal forearm deformity and radiocapitellar dislocation. Galeazzi fracture-dislocation matches with distal forearm deformity and prominent ulnar head.
Each named injury corresponds to a distinct anatomical disruption. The scaphoid sits at the base of the anatomic snuffbox, making this the primary site of tenderness when fractured. The lunate articulates directly above the carpal tunnel; its volar dislocation inherently compromises the median nerve space. Eponymous forearm fractures are defined by their specific bone and joint involvement: Monteggia affects the proximal ulna and radial head, while Galeazzi affects the distal radius and distal radioulnar joint.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the carpal bone injuries and their specific localizations.
Identify that the scaphoid correlates with the anatomic snuffbox, while the lunate is centrally located and can compress the median nerve if dislocated volarly.
Differentiating carpal injuries relies on identifying the exact site of tenderness or secondary nerve compression.
2
Distinguish between the eponymous forearm fracture-dislocations.
Apply the MUGR mnemonic (Monteggia = Ulna fracture with proximal radial dislocation; Galeazzi = Radius fracture with distal ulnar dislocation).
These combined injuries are frequently confused; remembering the specific bone fractured helps identify which adjacent joint is dislocated.

Key Concept

Upper extremity orthopedic injuries have highly specific anatomical presentations, such as the MUGR pattern for forearm fracture-dislocations and distinct focal tenderness or nerve compression for carpal injuries.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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