Radiology
Which imaging modality provides real-time images of soft tissue without using radiation?
Ultrasound
Name the procedure that shaves the acromion's undersurface to relieve impingement.
Arthroscopic Sub-Acromial Decompression
When can a patient typically begin gentle shoulder pendulum exercises?
1 week post-injury
What are the two main types of Total Shoulder Arthroplasty?
Anatomic and Reverse.
What is the unique anatomical characteristic of the scaphoid’s blood supply?
Retrograde blood supply
What additional requirement is necessary to perform a CTA (angiogram) scan?
It requires the administration of contrast
Which specific internal fixation device is indicated for a patient presenting with a combined proximal humerus and humeral shaft fracture?
An intramedullary rod.
Explain the physiological rationale for encouraging active elbow movement in the conservative management of humeral shaft fractures.
The muscle action of the biceps and triceps provides a compressive force across the fracture site, which aids bone union.
What is the specific post-operative positioning requirement for the abduction pillow following a shoulder replacement?
The limb must be maintained in 30-45° of abduction.
Beyond acute nerve injury, what specific neuro-inflammatory complication must be monitored following a distal radius fracture?
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).
A 45-year-old male falls from a ladder and presents with a distal radius fracture. A complex fracture with multiple fragments is suspected. Which radiography modality would be most suitable for this patient to visualise the complex fracture?
CT Scan
A 52-year-old patient falls onto their shoulder and presents with pain and limited shoulder movement. Imaging shows a proximal humerus fracture with 6mm of displacement of the greater tuberosity. What type of surgical management be appropriate for this case?
Open reduction internal fixation. Fracture exceeds 5mm of displacement. CRIF likely will not restore precise alignment of tuberosity to restore rotator cuff function
A 24 year old soccer player falls onto his outstretched hand. They present with wrist pain and mild swelling but no visible deformity. It is decided that no surgery is required. Describe reasons why this may be the case.
May be displacement is minimal, stable, normal alignment, no neurovascular complications
A 70-year-old patient has chronic shoulder pain and limited movement. Imaging shows severe arthritis and a torn rotator cuff. Explain whether an anatomical or reverse shoulder arthroplasty is appropriate for this case.
Reverse arthroplasty. Compensates for non-functional rotator cuff. Anatomical requires functional rotator cuff.
A patient comes into your practice after suffering a humeral shaft fracture. Upon assessment, you identify that they have radial nerve palsy. Describe observations that you would expect to see.
unable to actively extend wrists or fingers, wrist drop posture, reduced sensation over dorsal aspect of hand