Answer to Nobel’s Paradox

Correct answer is D. The description of the injury indicates an ulnar nerve lesion. Reaching the correct answer is based on the options presented and the description of what part of the body landed on the ground. The most common site of ulnar nerve entrapment is at or near the elbow region, especially in the region of the cubital tunnel or the epicondylar (ulnar) groove. (See film description of supracondylar fractures and compare the path of the ulnar nerve as shown in the dissection.) The second most likely site is at or near the wrist. However, the described injury does not appear to occur at this latter location.

(Follow up: Both parents were questioned extensively by child protective services, but no charges were brought. He grew up to be an orthopedic surgeon.)

Answer to this question is based on material presented in lecture 5 of the upper limb series.

A.Cervical spine injury

B.Median nerve entrapment

C.Radial head subluxation

D.Supracondylar fracture

E.Ulnar Fracture