Examkin

Question

Difficulty: EasyOrthopedic Surgery

Match the following specific orthopedic injuries with their most commonly associated neurovascular complication.

  • Anterior shoulder dislocationAxillary nerve injury
  • Midshaft humerus fractureRadial nerve injury
  • Posterior hip dislocationSciatic nerve injury
  • Fibular neck fractureCommon peroneal nerve injury

Answer

Anterior shoulder dislocation causes Axillary nerve injury. Midshaft humerus fracture causes Radial nerve injury. Posterior hip dislocation causes Sciatic nerve injury. Fibular neck fracture causes Common peroneal nerve injury.
Each specific fracture or dislocation has a predictable anatomical relationship with nearby neurovascular structures. Knowledge of these relationships is critical for initial trauma assessment to prevent long-term disability.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate the anatomic location of an anterior shoulder dislocation.
Identify the axillary nerve as the structure at risk.
The axillary nerve courses directly inferior to the glenohumeral joint, placing it in the path of the displacing humeral head.
2
Evaluate the anatomic location of a midshaft humerus fracture.
Identify the radial nerve as the structure at risk.
The radial nerve lies directly against the bone in the spiral groove of the midshaft humerus.
3
Evaluate the anatomic location of a posterior hip dislocation.
Identify the sciatic nerve as the structure at risk.
The sciatic nerve runs immediately posterior to the hip joint and can be compressed by the posteriorly displaced femoral head.
4
Evaluate the anatomic location of a fibular neck fracture.
Identify the common peroneal nerve as the structure at risk.
The common peroneal nerve wraps around the fibular neck very superficially, making it highly susceptible to trauma here.

Key Concept

Neurovascular complications of common orthopedic fractures and dislocations
Rate this question

Topics

Orthopedic Surgery

More questions from this topic