The humerus

Question 1

what is the proximal extremity

Answer 1

articulates with the glenoid cavity to form the glenohumeral joint
synovial ball and socket joint

Question 2

what does the proximal extremity include

Answer 2

head of the humerus
anatomical neck
surgical neck
greater tuberosity
lesser tuberosity
bicipital groove

Question 3

head of the humerus

Answer 3

large, smooth, convex half rounded portion
faces up, medially and slightly posteriorly
articulates with the glenoid cavity of the scapula to form the glenohumeral joint

Question 4

anatomical neck

Answer 4

forms slight constriction below the margin of the head

Question 5

surgical neck

Answer 5

narrowing at the point where head joins shaft
common fracture sight

Question 6

greater tuberosity

Answer 6

prominent projection on postero - lateral aspect of head
acts a point of attachment for supraspinatus, infraspinatus and teres minor muscles

Question 7

lesser tuberosity

Answer 7

smaller point of attachment on anterior aspect
attaches to subscapularis muscle

Question 8

bicipital groove

Answer 8

a narrow channel between the tuberosities
conveys the tendon of the long head of biceps brachii muscle

Question 10

AP view of the humerus

Answer 10

• IR placed in erect holder
• patient is erect with their back against the IR
• affected arm should be abducted and centred to the IR
• arms should be fully extended
• hand should be supinated
• ensures medial and lateral epicondyles should be equidistant from the IR
• patient is rotated towards the affected side to bring the posterior aspect of the shoulder, upper arm and elbow in contact with the IR
• humerus should be aligned with the long axis of the IR or diagonally across the IR for patients with longer limbs
• may be performed supine on the x ray table

Question 11

lateral view of the humerus

Answer 11

• erect
• lateromedial
  
  • patient position erect with their back againts the IR and elbow partially flexed
  • body slightly rotated towards the affected side to brin humerus and shoulder in contact with IR
  • internally rotate arm to achieve a lateral position ( epicondyles perpendicular to IR )

Question 12

mediolateral view of the humerus

Answer 12

• position patient erect and facing towards the IR
• oblique patient as needed approx 20 degrees towards the affected side to enable close contact of humerus to IR
• abduct arm, flex elbow 90 degrees, palmer aspect of hand resting on hip
• head turned away from the affected side
• central ray to midpoint of humerus and perpendicular to IR

Question 13

trauma and pathology of the humerus

Answer 13

• fracture of the surgical neck
• fracture of the humeral shaft
• supracondylar fracture
• condylar fracture
• bone metastases
• malignant bone tumours