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Question

Difficulty: EasyOrthopedic Surgery

Match each of the following upper extremity orthopedic injuries with the peripheral nerve most commonly at risk for damage.

  • Anterior glenohumeral dislocationAxillary nerve
  • Midshaft humeral fractureRadial nerve
  • Displaced supracondylar fracture of the humerusMedian nerve
  • Medial epicondyle fractureUlnar nerve

Answer

Anterior glenohumeral dislocation pairs with Axillary nerve; Midshaft humeral fracture pairs with Radial nerve; Displaced supracondylar fracture pairs with Median nerve; Medial epicondyle fracture pairs with Ulnar nerve.
Each specific upper extremity injury is classically associated with a distinct nerve injury due to close anatomical proximity. The axillary nerve wraps around the surgical neck of the humerus. The radial nerve runs in the radial groove of the humeral shaft. The median nerve passes anteriorly over the elbow joint. The ulnar nerve passes posteriorly behind the medial epicondyle.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the anatomical location of each fracture or dislocation.
The injuries are located at the glenohumeral joint, humeral shaft, supracondylar humerus, and medial epicondyle, respectively.
Neurovascular structures run in close proximity to specific, predictable bony landmarks.
2
Recall the peripheral nerve that lies directly adjacent to each of these specific anatomical locations.
The axillary nerve courses inferior to the humeral head; the radial nerve sits in the spiral groove; the median nerve crosses anterior to the supracondylar region; the ulnar nerve runs behind the medial epicondyle.
Anatomical proximity determines the most likely nerve injured during blunt trauma or displacement of bone fragments.

Key Concept

Upper extremity neurovascular injuries associated with specific fractures and dislocations
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Orthopedic Surgery

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