Clavicle & AC Joint
Name three common mechanisms of injury for a clavicular fracture.
Fall on an outstretched arm; fall on the tip of the shoulder; direct impact to the clavicle.
List two mechanisms that commonly cause fractures of the humeral shaft.
Direct blow to the arm; fall onto the arm.
Define SLAP and Bankart lesions in one sentence each.
SLAP: superior labrum tear (biceps attachment). Bankart: anteroinferior labral tear.
What are "stingers" or "burners" and what mechanism typically produces them?
Transient brachial plexus stretch from neck lateral flexion with shoulder depression or direct impact in contact sports.
Identify two general signs common to many shoulder fractures.
Pain; swelling/inability to move.
Describe two palpable signs that suggest a clavicle fracture on physical exam.
Swelling/point tenderness; visible deformity or lowered shoulder.
What signs and symptoms suggest a proximal humerus fracture at the surgical neck?
Localized pain at the shoulder, inability to move the arm, swelling, and possible deformity visible on inspection or x-ray.
List three common mechanisms that can cause a labral tear.
Falling on an outstretched arm; forceful overhead motion or lifting; traumatic shoulder dislocation or subluxation.
List three signs or symptoms of a brachial plexus stretch injury.
Burning pain, numbness, weakness.
Describe the mechanism of injury most commonly associated with shoulder impingement and two characteristic rotational changes in range of motion.
Repetitive overhead compression; increased external rotation, decreased internal rotation.
Differentiate an AC joint Grade 2 from a Grade 3 injury based on ligament involvement.
Grade 2: AC torn, CC stretched.
Grade 3: AC and CC completely torn.
Compare and contrast shoulder subluxation and complete dislocation in terms of translation and potential complications.
Subluxation = partial displacement; risk labral tear/instability.
Dislocation = complete displacement; risk recurrence/Bankart.
Describe three clinical signs or symptoms that might indicate a rotator cuff tendinopathy.
Anterior/lateral shoulder pain, clicking, stiffness.
Name three anatomical sites where thoracic outlet syndrome commonly compresses neurovascular structures.
Between the clavicle and first rib; between the scalene muscles; under the pectoralis minor muscle.
Explain three features that distinguish adhesive capsulitis from rotator cuff tendinopathy on exam.
Adhesive capsulitis = global active & passive ROM loss and stiffness
Rotator cuff = focal pain, preserved passive ROM.
Explain the key visual and structural features of an AC Type V injury and why the skin might appear tented.
Severe superior clavicle displacement with soft‑tissue detachment; clavicle pushes up under skin.
A patient presents after forced abduction, external rotation and extension injury with a flattened deltoid contour and palpable humeral head in the axilla. What is the most likely diagnosis and why?
Anterior shoulder dislocation — mechanism (abduction, external rotation, extension) and signs (flattened deltoid, palpable humeral head in axilla, prominent acromion) are classic for anterior dislocation.
Explain how a SLAP tear can specifically affect the biceps tendon attachment and the clinical implications for overhead athletes.
Detaches biceps anchor → pain with overhead use, decreased performance.
A contact-sport athlete reports transient burning down the arm with numbness and weakness after lateral neck flexion with shoulder depression—explain the likely injured structure and immediate management priorities.
Brachial plexus stretch (stinger/burner); remove from play, neuro exam, monitor, refer if persistent.
For a humerus fracture with swelling, discoloration, severe pain, and inability to move the arm, outline the immediate on-field/emergency management steps.
Immobilize/splint, check neurovascular status, ice/elevate, analgesia, urgent transport.
Given a patient with direct impact to the tip of the shoulder and superior clavicle displacement with trapezius detachment, identify the AC grade and explain the anatomical structures torn.
Grade 5; AC and CC ligaments plus trapezius/deltoid attachments.
Explain why anterior shoulder dislocations have a high recurrence rate after traumatic dislocation and name one structural lesion that predisposes to recurrence.
Damage to stabilizers causes instability; Bankart lesion.
Given arthroscopic images showing detachment of the superior labrum from anterior to posterior and pain at the anterior shoulder with clicking, provide a reasoned differential diagnosis and next diagnostic step.
Likely SLAP; consider biceps tendinopathy or loose body; get MRI.
Discuss how thoracic outlet syndrome could present differently when vascular structures (subclavian artery/vein) are primarily compressed versus when the brachial plexus is primarily compressed.
Vascular = swollen, cold, weak pulses;
Neuro = paresthesia, numbness, weakness.
Construct a brief management plan (diagnostic imaging, conservative vs surgical considerations, and rehab priorities) for a 45-year-old throwing athlete diagnosed with a full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tear.
MRI; surgical repair likely for high‑demand athlete; post‑op rehab: protect → passive ROM → strengthening → gradual return to throw.