Humeral fracture - spiral wedge midshaft

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Fall on outstretched arm. Now painful upper arm.

Patient Data

Age: 60 years
Gender: Female

Spiral wedge fracture of the proximal to mid humeral diaphysis. The distal fragment is slightly posteriorly displaced and angulated. The shoulder and elbow remain enlocated. 

Later that same day

x-ray

Images obtained after the application of a plaster back slab demonstrates increased displacement and angulation when compared to the previous study. 

3 months later

x-ray

There is a healing fracture of the midshaft of the humerus, with approximately 5 degrees of varus angulation at the fracture site. The fracture line is no longer visualized, and there is organizing callus around the fracture. 

Case Discussion

Typical appearances of a spiral fracture of the midshaft of the humerus, demonstrating healing despite significant initial angulation. 

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