High-Yield Summary Radial nerve palsy results in wrist, fingerand thumb extension loss, critically impairing hand function; timely diagnosis and intervention dictate outcomes. Nerve repair is preferred within 6 months of injury when direct repair or grafting is feasible; delayed presentations often require tendon transfers. Tendon transfers restore function reliably in chronic palsy or failed nerve […]
High-Yield Summary Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is primarily indicated for complex distal humerus fractures in elderly patients, inflammatory arthritis with joint destructionand select post-traumatic arthritis cases with severe functional limitation. Implant selection (linked vs. unlinked) and surgical approach must be tailored to bone quality, soft tissue integrityand patient activity level to optimize longevity and function. […]
High-Yield Summary Monteggia fracture-dislocation involves a proximal ulna fracture with radial head dislocation; prompt recognition and anatomic reduction are critical to restore forearm stability and function. Pediatric Monteggia injuries often allow for closed reduction and casting, whereas adults typically require open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) due to fracture complexity and soft tissue interposition. The […]
High-Yield Summary The Frykman and Fernandez classifications stratify distal radius fractures based on fracture pattern and involvement of the radiocarpal and distal radioulnar joints, guiding surgical decision-making. Frykman classification emphasizes articular involvement and ulnar styloid fractures, useful for predicting instability and post-traumatic arthritis risk. Fernandez classification categorizes fractures by mechanism of injury, directly informing the […]
High-Yield Summary The distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) is critical for forearm rotation and load transmission; instability leads to pain, weaknessand functional impairment. DRUJ instability results from disruption of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), distal radioulnar ligamentsor osseous incongruity. Diagnosis hinges on clinical exam maneuvers (e.g., piano key test, DRUJ ballottement) combined with imaging-CT with contralateral […]
High-Yield Summary Terrible triad injuries combine elbow dislocation, radial head fractureand coronoid process fracture, resulting in inherent instability requiring surgical intervention in most cases. Early anatomic restoration of the radial head and coronoid process, combined with lateral collateral ligament (LCL) repair, is critical to restore stability and prevent chronic instability or stiffness. Non-operative management is […]
High-Yield Summary The coronoid process is critical for anterior elbow stability; fractures compromise varus and posteromedial rotatory stability, often necessitating fixation in unstable elbows. Regan-Morrey and O’Driscoll classifications guide fixation strategy by fracture size and location, directly influencing surgical approach and implant choice. Small tip fractures (<10% of coronoid height) may be managed non-operatively if […]
### ### High-Yield Summary – The Mason classification stratifies radial head fractures by displacement and comminution, directly guiding management from non-operative care to complex reconstruction or arthroplasty. – Type I fractures are nondisplaced or minimally displaced and typically managed non-operatively with early motion. – Type II fractures involve displacement >2 mm or mechanical block and […]
High-Yield Summary Lateral epicondylitis (LE) is a tendinopathy primarily involving the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) origin, presenting with lateral elbow pain exacerbated by wrist extension and gripping. Non-operative management, including activity modification, physical therapyand corticosteroid or biologic injections, remains first-line for both acute and chronic cases. Surgical intervention is reserved for refractory cases beyond […]
High-Yield Summary Proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint arthrodesis is the gold standard for end-stage arthritis or severe instability when pain relief and stability outweigh motion preservation. PIP joint arthroplasty is indicated for patients prioritizing motion, typically with less severe joint destruction and intact soft tissues. Implant choice and surgical approach depend on patient factors, joint pathology, […]
Last Updated on January 25, 2026 by Christian Veillette
