Arm injuries occurring from high energy injuries such as falls or traffic accidents can be accompanied by wrist and elbow injuries. Monteggia fracture, Galeazzi fracture, and Essex-Lopresti fracture-dislocation are known some examples of such injuries. However, there are no reports on the dislocation of the elbow occurring from a distal radius fracture accompanied by scaphoid fracture, and there is nothing published about its prognosis. The authors report on the treatment and outcomes of a case of a 42-year-old male who had a distal radius and scaphoid fracture associated with posteromedial dislocation of the elbow on the same side of his arm along with a literature review.
Accidents, Traffic ; Adult ; Arm ; Arm Injuries ; Dislocations ; Elbow ; Humans ; Male ; Monteggia's Fracture ; Prognosis ; Radius ; Radius Fractures ; Wrist

Purpose: To investigate the etiologic factors related to refractures of the upper extremity in children. Patients and Methods: Eighteen refractures were divided into three groups according to the location of the initial fractures. They were analyzed in terms of the type of refractures, fracture patterns, and the existence of an underlying deformity. Results: Of nine supracondylar fractures of the humerus, two involved refractures at the supracondylar region, and the other seven involved the lateral condyle. Underlying cubitus varus was present in six cases. Of three lateral condylar fractures of the humerus, one had a refracture at the supracondylar region, and two cases involved the lateral condyle. One had an underlying cubitus varus. All but one case in the humeral fractures group were late refractures, and were treated with surgery. Of six repeat forearm fractures, five were early type and occurred at the original site within nine weeks, four at the diaphysis of both bones of the forearm, and one at the diaphysis of the ulna. All cases in the forearm fractures group, save one, had volar angulation before the refracture, and were treated conservatively. Conclusion: In the humerus, the underlying cubitus varus was the most important predisposing factor for refractures and lateral condyle fractures were common. In the forearm, volar angulation of the diaphysis was related to refractures, and complete and circular consolidation of the primary fracture of the forearm was thought to be important in prevention.
Ulna Fractures/epidemiology ; Shoulder Fractures/*epidemiology ; Retrospective Studies ; Recurrence ; Radius Fractures/epidemiology ; Male ; Humeral Fractures/epidemiology ; Humans ; Follow-Up Studies ; Female ; Child, Preschool ; Child

One of the points made against nailing in radius and ulna shaft fractures has been the loss of radial bow and its impact on function. The aims of the study were to assess the change in magnitude and location of the radial bow in radius and ulna shaft fractures treated with intramedullary square nails and to assess the impact of this change on functional outcome, patient reported disability and the range of motion of the forearm. We measured the magnitude of radial bow and its location in the operated extremity and compared it to the uninjured side in 32 adult patients treated with intramedullary square nailing for radius and ulna shaft fractures at our institute. The mean loss of magnitude of maximum radial bow was 2.18 mm which was statistically significant by both student-T test and Mann-Whitney U test with p value less than 0.01. The location of maximum radial bow shifted distally but was statistically insignificant. The magnitude of maximum radial bow had a negative correlation with DASH score that was statistically insignificant (R=- 0.22, p=0.21). It had a positive, statistically significant correlation to the extent of supination in the operated extremity (R = 0.66, p = 0.0004). A loss of up to 2mm of radial bow did not influence the functional outcome as assessed by criteria reported by Anderson et al. The magnitude of radial bow influenced the supination of the forearm but not the final disability as measured by DASH score. Intramedullary nailing did decrease the magnitude of radial bow but a reduction of up to 2mm did not influence the functional outcome.
Ulna Fractures ; Radius Fractures

Dislocation of the elbow along with shaft fractures of both bones of the ipsilateral forearm is a rare injury though elbow dislocation or fracture of the forearm bones may occur separately. Such injuries need a concentric reduction of the dislocation and an anatomical fixation of forearm bones for optimal functional outcomes. We report a case of elbow dislocation with fracture of the lateral condyle of the humerus along with fractures of shafts of the radius and ulna in a 44-year-old female. Closed reduction of the elbow and operative stabilization of all fractures were done with good clinical, radiological and functional outcomes in 2 years follow-up period. A significant degree of force is needed to produce a combined dislocation of a joint and fracture of bones around that joint and these complex injuries may be missed if the clinician is not aware of the possibility of such injuries. The fact that the previously reported cases had a posterolateral dislocation while our case had a posteromedial dislocation and a fracture of the lateral humeral condyle as well makes it unique in its presentation and worth reporting. We have also included an up to date literature review on this topic.
Adult ; Elbow Joint ; injuries ; Female ; Humans ; Humeral Fractures ; surgery ; Joint Dislocations ; surgery ; Radius Fractures ; surgery ; Ulna Fractures ; surgery

BACKGROUND: Upper extremity soft tissue defects with complete circumferential involvement are not common. Coupled with the unique anatomy of the upper extremity, the underlying etiology of such circumferential soft tissue defects represent additional reconstructive challenges that require treatment to be tailored to both the patient and the wound. The aim of this study is to review the various options for soft tissue reconstruction of complete circumferential defects in the upper extremity. METHODS: A literature review of PubMed and MEDLINE up to December 2016 was performed. The current study focuses on forearm and arm defects from the level at or proximal to the wrist and were assessed based on Tajima's classification (J Trauma 1974). Data reviewed for analysis included patient demographics, causality, defect size, reconstructive technique(s) employed, and postoperative follow-up and functional outcomes (when available). RESULTS: In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, 14 unique articles were identified for a total of 50 patients (mean=28.1 years). Underlying etiologies varied from extensive thermal or electrical burns to high impact trauma leading to degloving or avulsion, crush injuries, or even occur iatrogenically after tumor extirpation or extensive debridement. Treatment options ranged from the application of negative pressure wound dressings to the opposite end of the spectrum in hand transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: With the evolution of reconstructive techniques over time, the extent of functional and aesthetic rehabilitation of these complex upper extremity injuries has also improved. The proposed management algorithm comprehensively addresses the inherent challenges associated with these complex cases.
Arm ; Bandages ; Burns ; Classification ; Debridement ; Demography ; Follow-Up Studies ; Forearm ; Hand Transplantation ; Humans ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; Rehabilitation ; Soft Tissue Injuries ; Upper Extremity* ; Wounds and Injuries ; Wrist

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results and complications of treatment using T-plate fixation for two- and three-part fractures of the proximal humerus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1996 and July 2003, thirty-three patients with two-part and three-part fractures of the proximal humerus were treated by T-plate fixation. There were 21 two-part fractures and 12 three-part fractures including three shoulder dislocations. The reduction was qualified and complications were assessed with final radiographs. The functional outcome was evaluated by Neer's rating system. RESULTS: Thirty-two cases (96.7%) were united, twenty-nine cases (87.9%) were reduced as good, and twenty-three cases (70%) had excellent or satisfactory results. There were four cases of loss of reduction, three cases of stiff joint, one case of nonunion, and one case of avascular necrosis of the humeral head, but no infection. No correlation was found between the final result and the type of fracture, age, gender, or quality of reduction. CONCLUSION: T-plate fixation for proximal humeral fractures is a reliable method to obtain good results through satisfactory reduction, rigid fixation, and early movement. Additional tension band wiring can provide stable fixation for osteoporotic or comminuted fractures difficult to obtain stable fixation.
Fractures, Comminuted ; Humans ; Humeral Head ; Humerus* ; Joints ; Necrosis ; Shoulder Dislocation ; Shoulder Fractures

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of electro-acupuncture-anesthesia device (EAAD) as an auxiliary localizing method for brachiplex nerve blocking.

METHODSOne hundred and twenty patients scheduled for operation in upper limbs were randomly divided into group A and group B, 60 in each group. Bupivacaine 25 ml (0.375% in concentration) was used to block intermuscular plexus brachialis in the operation for anesthesia and EAAD was used for adjunctive localizing in group A, while in group B paresthesia elicitation was used.

RESULTSIn group A, the blocking was complete in 56 cases and incomplete in 4, the anesthesia effect was superior to that in group B, complete in 46, incomplete in 9, and of inefficient in 5 (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONEAAD provides a localizing method for plexus brachialis blocking more precise than paresthesia elicitation.

Acupuncture Analgesia ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Brachial Plexus ; Electroacupuncture ; Female ; Humans ; Humeral Fractures ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nerve Block ; methods ; Radius Fractures ; surgery ; Ulna Fractures ; surgery

Although vascular injury after humeral fracture is very rare, it is a complication that has serious sequelae. It has been associated with proximal humeral fracture or shoulder dislocation in adults and humeral supracondylar fracture in children. However, delayed brachial artery occlusion after humeral shaft fracture has never been reported worldwide. Nevertheless, delayed brachial artery occlusion after humerus shaft fracture has the potential to cause serious complications in the short term as well as long term; therefore, it is essential to provide accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment. We report a case of delayed brachial artery occlusion after humeral shaft open fracture that was successfully treated with early diagnosis as well as effective treatment.
Adult ; Brachial Artery ; Child ; Early Diagnosis ; Fractures, Open ; Humans ; Humeral Fractures ; Humerus ; Shoulder Dislocation ; Shoulder Fractures ; Vascular System Injuries

We meet much difficult problem to solve in the treatment of the forearm fractures which are not encountered in the treatment of fractures of the other long bone and there are many reports on the results of treatment of forearm fractures and many methods have been introduced. In the late 1950's ASIF compression plate was invented and developed by Muller, Allgower, and Willenegger and it has shown excellent union rate and functional results in the treatment of forearm fractures. From Jan. 1971 to Dec. 1979, we have experienced 71 cases of fresh or old forearm fractures treated by different methods and devices and among them, 53 patients, those were treated with compression plate and other various internal fixation devices, were possible to trace for more than 3 months. The Author divided the traceable patients into two groups, the one was the group treated with compression plate and the othtr one was the group treated with other various internal fixations, and compared the results in the aspect of healing time and functional results. The results were as follows; 1. Among 71 patients, 45 patients (36.6%) were fresh and 26 were old cases. Of 61 adult patients 21 cases (34.4%) exhibited severe soft tissue injury due to crushing machinary injury. 2. There was 24 (33.8%) cases of open fractures and the most common fracture site was middle one-third of both radius and ulna. 3. The period between operation and exercise was 7.3 weeks in fresh cases which were treated with compression-plate fixation and 10.3 weeks in old cases with other fixation devices. 4. The time of radlological union was comparatively rapid in compression-plate fixation group, acute cases and radial fractures when compared it with those treated with other fixation devices, old cases and ulnar fractures, respectively. Radiological union time in average was as follows; Radius, compression-plate fixation: 12.1 weeks ulna, compression-plate fixation: 12.4 weeks redius, other fixation devices 14.9 weeks ulna, other fixation devices 15.5 weeks 5. By Anderson's functional criteria, the ratio of excellent or good results was as follows, Acute compression-plate fixation: 87% Acute, other fixation devices 67% Old, Compression-plate flxation: 67% Old, Other fixation devices 23% 6. Achieved bony union in all cases in compression-plate fixation group and experienced 3 cases of non-union in the group treated with other fixation devices. Among 3, two cases of non-union were due to post-operative infection and technical failure and the other one was a solitary ulnar fracture which was treated with rush pin.
Adult ; Forearm ; Fractures, Open ; Humans ; Internal Fixators ; Radius ; Soft Tissue Injuries ; Ulna

OBJECTIVE: To study clinical effects of modified Mclaughlin procedure combined with locking plate for posterior shoulder dislocation with proximal humeral fracture which area of femoral head injury less than 40%. METHODS: From July 2012 to June 2017, 7 patients with posterior shoulder dislocation were treated, including 5 males and 2 females; aged from 37 to 53 years old. Three patients combined with split of humerus head and 4 patients combined with humerus surgical neck fracture. All patients treated with modified Mclaughlin procedure combined with locking plate. Motion of shoulder joint after operation was observed, postoperative UCLA score was used to evaluate clinical effects. RESULTS: Seven patients were followed up from 10 to 33 months. The motion of anteflexion and up-lift ranged from 130° to 170°, the motion of extorsion ranged from 45° to 75°, the motion of abduction ranged fron 105° to 150°, and the internal rotation was between L₃ to buttock. UCLA score ranged from 29 to 34; and 1 patient reached excellent, and 6 patients good. CONCLUSIONS The modified Mclaughlin procedure combined with locking plate showed satisfying result for posterior shoulder dislocation combined with fractures. However, the internal rotation of shoulder could be compromised.
Adult ; Bone Plates ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; Humans ; Humeral Fractures ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Shoulder Dislocation ; Shoulder Fractures ; Treatment Outcome