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Trauma
intermediate
X-Type

Humeral Shaft Fractures

Upper Limb Fractures

A 45-year-old man presents after a motorcycle accident with pain and deformity in his left arm. Examination reveals obvious angulation of the mid-humerus with swelling. He has a complete wrist drop and cannot extend his fingers or wrist. Sensation is diminished over the first dorsal web space. Radiograph shows a displaced spiral fracture at the junction of the middle and distal thirds of the humerus. Regarding humeral shaft fractures:

Mark each as TRUE or FALSE

A

The radial nerve is at particular risk in humeral shaft fractures because it courses in the spiral g...

B

The majority of primary radial nerve palsies (70-90%) are neuropraxias that recover spontaneously wi...

C

All humeral shaft fractures require immediate surgical fixation; radial nerve palsy at presentation ...

D

Acceptable alignment for nonoperative treatment includes less than 20 degrees of anterior/posterior ...

E

Surgical indications include open fractures, polytrauma/floating elbow, bilateral fractures, patholo...

Answer the questions to see explanations

Click T (True) or F (False) for each option