Question

Whiplash Case Study The patient is a 52 -year-old white male retired RN height: 5'9" weight: 190lbs. who was diagnosed as having a hairline fracture of the right greater tuberosity of the humerus in 2006 which necessitated the use of a sling as well as rehabilitation. In 2014 the patient was in a car accident and was diagnosed with whiplash. The patient displayed an elevated and upwardly rotated right shoulder, both of which may indicate cervical dysfunction as several of the cervical structures have attachment sites along the clavicle, on the first rib, and the on the scapula.

Please answer the following questions (1 sentence per item) after reading your case study and discussing it with your peers (clinical thinking):

Area of the body affected (anatomy)
Tissue involved (anatomy)
Possible issues affecting the area of the body or organ system (physiology)
Possible pathology (diagnosis)
Medical approach required to manage the condition (treatment)

Answer 1

Area of the body affected (anatomy): The patient's right shoulder and cervical region.

Tissue involved (anatomy): The patient has a hairline fracture of the right greater tuberosity of the humerus and cervical dysfunction.

Possible issues affecting the area of the body or organ system (physiology): The patient's elevated and upwardly rotated right shoulder and cervical dysfunction may indicate muscle spasm, nerve impingement, or joint restriction.

Possible pathology (diagnosis): The patient may have a whiplash injury, cervical strain or sprain, or a cervical radiculopathy.

Medical approach required to manage the condition (treatment): The patient may require physical therapy, medications for pain management, and in some cases surgical intervention.