Clinical Relevance Upper Limb

Clinical Relevance Upper Limb

1. Bones

   • Clavicle Fracture
     • Junction between the medial 2/3 and lateral 1/3 due to change in shape of clavicle
     • Caused by fall on an outstretched hand
     • Greenstick fractures of the clavicle are common in broad shouldered neonates during delivery
     • Patient presents with arm supported at the elbow as weight of the arm and gravity pull the limb down
     • Pectoralis major pulls the lateral fragment medially
       • Sternocleidomastoid pulls medial fragment superiorly
     • Danger of damage to subclavian artery!
   • Fracture of Scapula
     • Usually only in severe trauma such as road traffic accidents.
       • Usually involves acromion
     • Little treatment required due to muscular covering
   • Fracture of Humerus
     • Surgical Neck
       • Can result in axillary nerve damage and damage to posterior circumflex artery
         • Loss of function of deltoid and teres minor muscles
         • Loss of sensation in regimental badge area