Manual of Surgery Volume Second: Extremities—Head—Neck. Sixth Edition.Thomson, Alexis
Science
Manual of Surgery Volume Second: Extremities—Head—Neck. Sixth Edition.
Thomson, Alexis
Surgery
The projection of the acromion, the flattening of the deltoid, the
increased depth of the axillary fold, and the abduction of the elbow
are well marked; the arm is slightly lengthened, rotated out, and
carried forward. It is reduced by the hyper-abduction method (p. 60).
#Sub-spinous Dislocation.#--Backward dislocation is usually termed
sub-spinous, although in a considerable proportion of cases the head
of the humerus does not pass beyond the root of the acromion process
(_sub-acromial_) (Fig. 17). This dislocation is usually produced by a
fall on the elbow, the arm being at the moment adducted and rotated
medially, so that the head of the humerus is pressed backwards and
laterally against the capsule, which ruptures posteriorly. All the
muscles attached to the upper end of the humerus are liable to be
torn, and the tuberosities are frequently avulsed. The long tendon of
the biceps may slip from its position between the tuberosities, and
prevent reduction or favour re-dislocation, necessitating an open
operation.
In the milder cases the _clinical features_ are not always well
marked, and on account of the swelling this dislocation is apt to be
overlooked. In addition to the ordinary symptoms, the shoulder is
broadened, there is a marked hollow in front in which the coracoid
projects, and the arm is held close to the side with the elbow
directed forward. The head of the bone may be seen and felt in its
abnormal position below the spine of the scapula.
Reduction can usually be effected by making traction on the arm with
medial rotation, and pressing the head forward into position, while
counter-pressure is made upon the acromion.
_Prognosis._--The ultimate prognosis in dislocations of the shoulder
should always be guarded. The axillary nerve may be stretched or torn,
and this may lead to atrophy of the deltoid; or other branches of the
brachial plexus may be injured and the muscles they supply permanently
weakened. In a certain number of cases traumatic neuritis has resulted
in serious disability of the limb. The movements of the shoulder-joint
may be restricted by cicatricial contraction of the torn portion of
the capsule and of the damaged muscles. A marked tendency to recurrent
dislocation may follow if abduction movements are permitted before
repair of the capsule has had time to occur.
#Dislocation of the Shoulder complicated with Fracture of the Upper
End of the Humerus.#--In these injuries the dislocation is almost
always of the sub-coracoid variety, and the most common fractures by
which it is complicated are those of the surgical neck, the anatomical
neck, or the greater tuberosity. The most common cause is a fall
directly on the shoulder, and it seems probable that the head of the
bone is first dislocated, and, the force continuing to act, the upper
end of the humerus is then broken; or the two lesions may be produced
synchronously.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account