Chapter 2 - Shoulder and elbow emergencies

Summary

This chapter presents the key facts, clinical presentation, diagnostic testing, treatment of procedures, and prognosis of shoulder and elbow emergencies such as glenohumeral dislocations, scapular fractures, clavicle fractures, sternoclavicular (SC) injuries, acromioclavicular injuries, and proximal humerus fractures. Failure to obtain a lateral projection can result in missing a posterior dislocation in up to 50% of cases. Reductions performed with intra-articular anesthetic injections have been safely performed with equivalent success rates, similar patient comfort, shorter ED length of stays, and lower complication rates. Electromyogram (EMG) testing can be performed at a later date to evaluate suspected nerve injuries. Presence of a posterior SC dislocation should prompt evaluation for associated injuries to the trachea, esophagus, and great vessels, which are in close proximity to the SC joint. Plain radiographs are the preferred test for evaluation of suspected humeral shaft fractures.