Question

Why is the area just distal to the tubercles of the humerus called the surgical neck? It is the area of the humerus __?__.

a) That looks like a surgical tool.
b) That surgeons like to grasp to give them mechanical advantage when opening the chest for open heart surgery.
c) Where bone marrow is most commonly extracted.
d) Most commonly fractured.

Answer 1

The surgical neck of the humerus is called so due to it being the most commonly fractured area, rendering it a frequent site for orthopedic surgery.

Step-by-step explanation:

The area just distal to the tubercles of the humerus is called the surgical neck because it is most commonly fractured. This region is where the expanded proximal end of the humerus joins with the narrower shaft. It is particularly susceptible to fractures due to falls onto the hand or elbow, or direct blows to the arm. For example, following a fall, an impacted fracture can occur at the surgical neck with the distal portion of the humerus being driven into the proximal portion. This makes the surgical neck a focal point for orthopedic surgical intervention and repair, hence its name.