Patient 1: A patient that looks suspiciously like the singer Rhianna has been ad
ID: 97315 • Letter: P
Question
Patient 1:
A patient that looks suspiciously like the singer Rhianna has been admitted to the ER for a fractured olecranon process. The bone is set and the patient is advised that they will be in an elbow cast for several weeks.
Part 1: How will the patient’s range of motion at the elbow be affected by the fractured olecranon process? Be sure to note ONE muscle that is attached to the olecanon process and clearly define the function of this muscle. (2 points)
When the cast was removed, the patient notes that her arm was “immovable" and the muscles are weaker.
Part 2: State at least 2 muscles that LIKELY atrophied as a result of her cast. Be sure to state the muscle's action(s) (2pts)
Part 3: Will the patient ever FULLY regain range of motion AND MUSCLE STRENGTH at the elbow? Why or why not?(1 pt)
Explanation / Answer
Olecranon is the prominent large, thick curved bony part of the Ulna.The olecranon is the part of the ulna that forms a cup shape on the lower end of the humerus, creating a hinge for elbow movement. Two muscles - the triceps brachii and anconeus - act as the extensors of the forearm. The triceps brachii is a long muscle that runs posterior to the humerus from the scapula to the olecranon of the ulna. The anconeus is a much smaller muscle that begins at the distal end of the humerus near the elbow and ends at the olecranon. Working together, these two muscles increase the angle between the humerus and the ulna and radius, straightening the arm until the olecranon locks into the olecranon fossa of the humerus at full extension.Treatment involves immobilization of the elbow in a posterior splint, orthosis, or long-arm cast in approximately 90° flexion for approximately 3 weeks, followed by progressive active elbow ROM and strengthening
Part 1: One muscle is Anconeus muscle and it helps in extending the elbow and is an extensor muscle.It supports the elbow in full extension.
Part 2:Triceps and Anconeus muscle most probably got atrophied. Aconeus is already explained.Triceps is a extensor muscle and helps in extending the elbow joint. Since the elbow has been placed in a cast there is atrophy due to misalignment, pinched nerves, etc
Part 3:Range of motion or ROM may not be fully recovered as the cast needs to be at a 90 degree angle for 3 weeks and this as seen in part2 atrophies the muscles which may not fully recover.