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A 25-year-old patient had a traumatic fall off his bicycle 1 week ago. Since the injury, the patient has not been able to elevate his scapula. Based on the information given, what is the MOST likely physical therapy diagnosis?

A. Anterior dislocation of shoulder Joint
B. Posterior dislocation of shoulder joint
C. Inferior dislocation of SC Joint
D. Superior dislocation of SC Joint

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

The most likely physical therapy diagnosis for a patient who cannot elevate their scapula after a bicycle fall is an inferior dislocation of the sternoclavicular (SC) joint, based on common dislocation directions and mechanisms of injury.

Step-by-step explanation:

A 25-year-old patient who had a traumatic fall off his bicycle and is now unable to elevate his scapula likely has an injury related to the shoulder joint. Injuries to the shoulder joint from activities like falling onto an outstretched hand or elbow typically result in dislocations or fractures. Given the patient's inability to elevate the scapula, the most likely physical therapy diagnosis would relate to a disruption in the normal functionality of the shoulder joint, likely due to a dislocation of the humerus which commonly occurs in an inferior direction. However, without specific symptoms pointing directly to an anterior or posterior dislocation of the shoulder joint, and without the assumption of sternoclavicular (SC) joint involvement, further clinical examination would be necessary to conclusively diagnose the condition.

From the options provided, and knowing that the scapular movement is severely affected, a dislocation involving the sternoclavicular joint could make more sense as it directly articulates with the scapula. Inferior dislocations of the SC joint are more common than superior ones due to the anatomy and mechanism of injury typically involving a downward and medial force to the shoulder. Therefore, superior dislocation of the SC joint is less likely as it would require an upward force. An inferior dislocation of the SC joint (Option C) seems to be the most plausible diagnosis based on the inability to elevate the scapula after a traumatic injury.

User Suhel
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