Differential Diagnosis for Mabrey 65

• Single most likely diagnosis
  • Radial Head Fracture: The patient's mechanism of injury, hyperextending the right arm upward above his head and hearing a pop, is consistent with a radial head fracture. The location and description of the pain, as well as the history of a bicep tear, also support this diagnosis.
• Other Likely diagnoses
  • Dislocated Shoulder: The patient's attempt to catch himself and the resulting hyperextension of the arm could have caused a dislocated shoulder, which would explain the severe pain and limited mobility.
  • Bicep Tendon Rupture: Given the patient's history of a bicep tear, it is possible that the current injury is a rupture of the bicep tendon, which would cause severe pain and a popping sensation.
  • Elbow Sprain or Strain: The hyperextension of the arm could have caused a sprain or strain of the elbow, leading to pain and limited mobility.
• Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
  • Brachial Artery Injury: Although less likely, a brachial artery injury could occur due to the severe trauma to the arm, and if missed, could lead to severe complications, including limb loss.
  • Compartment Syndrome: This is a potentially life-threatening condition that could occur due to increased pressure within the muscle compartments of the arm, and if missed, could lead to permanent damage.
• Rare diagnoses
  • Monteggia Fracture: A fracture of the ulna with a dislocation of the proximal radioulnar joint, which is a rare but possible injury given the mechanism of injury.
  • Olecranon Fracture: A fracture of the olecranon process of the ulna, which is a rare injury but could occur due to the direct trauma to the elbow.