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Trauma
intermediate
X-Type

Scapulothoracic Dissociation

Upper Extremity Trauma

A 28-year-old motorcyclist presents after a high-speed collision. He has a flail arm with complete loss of motor and sensory function. The shoulder appears laterally displaced with massive swelling. Radiographs show lateral displacement of the scapula with clavicle fracture. Angiography reveals subclavian artery disruption. Regarding scapulothoracic dissociation:

Mark each as TRUE or FALSE

A

Scapulothoracic dissociation (STD) is a closed traumatic forequarter amputation involving complete d...

B

The triad of findings includes: (1) lateral scapular displacement on chest X-ray, (2) severe neurova...

C

Scapulothoracic dissociation is a low-energy injury; neurological injury is rare; the subclavian vei...

D

Vascular injury (subclavian or axillary artery) occurs in 88-100% of cases and is life-threatening; ...

E

Management prioritizes life over limb: hemorrhage control and vascular repair are urgent; complete b...

Answer the questions to see explanations

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