5.9 F) Iii) Orthopaedics Elbow Dislocation

Front 1

Classification of elbow dislocations

Back 1

1. Posterior ** [most common]
a. posteromedial
b. posterolateral

2. Anterior
a. anteromedial
b. anterolateral

Front 2

Neurovascular injuries associated with elbow dislocations?

Back 2

1. Ulnar nerve ** 10-15%
2. Median nn.
3. Radial nn.
4. Brachial artery

Front 3

Isolated radiohumeral dislocation is

associated with what specific

fracture / dislocation pattern?

Back 3

Monteggia Fracture dislocation
anterio / posterior radiohumeral dislocation PLUS

ulnar shaft #

Front 4

Which is incorrect regarding elbow dislocation?
1. Ulnar nerve injuries can occur before AND after closed reduction
2. Ulnar nerve injury is usually neuropraxia
3. The most sensitive signs and symptoms for ulnar nerve injury is

weakness of finger abduction.
4. Compartment syndrome is a recognised complication of elbow

dislocation / reduction.
5. Current practice is that most elbow dislocations are discharged from the Emergency Department.

Back 4

3. Most sensitive signs/symptoms are

numbness over the 4th/5th fingers.

Front 5

Criteria for admission with elbow

dislocations? [4]

Back 5

1. Irreducible dislocations
2. Neurovascular complications
3. Associated fractures
4. Open dislocations

Front 6

Which is incorrect regarding checking for

neurological injury in elbow dislocation?
1.Ability to grip a piece of paper between the fully flexed 4th/5th fingers checks interosseous muscle function , and therefore, ulnar nerve.
2. inability to resist the thumb being abducted checks median nerve

function.
3. Abductor pollicis strength is checked for median nerve injury.
4. sensation to the ulnar 1 and 1/2 fingers on the palmar side tests ulnar nerve function.
5. sensation over the palmar 3 and 1/2 fingers checks for median nerve injury.

Back 6

1. fully extended fingers at MCPJ.

Front 7

In regards to the procedure for elbow

dislocation reduction, which is incorrect?
1. Traction is applied in the line of the forearm.
2. Slight elbow flexion can assist with reduction
3. The olecranon can be pushed forwards and laterally to assist with

reduction
4. The olecranon can be pushed forwards and medially to assist with

reduction
5. Reduction will usually require procedural sedation /

General Anaesthetic.

Back 7

1. The olecranon is pushed forwards and

medially with the thumbs, whilst using

traction in MODERATE flexion, and

counter-traction with the fingers.

Front 8

Complications of elbow dislocation? [7]

Back 8

1. Nerve injury [ulnar ; median ]
2. Vascular injury [brachial]
3. Fractures
a. Monteggia
b. Coronoid [Grade I-III]
c. Radial head
4. Compartment Syndrome
5. Myositis ossificans
6. Chronic instability
7. Elbow stiffness