Traumatic arm amputation

Case contributed by Vincent Tatco
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

While traveling on a highway, the patient extended his right arm outside the car window and was suddenly hit by another vehicle.

Patient Data

Age: 30
Gender: Male
x-ray

There is amputation of the right arm at the level of the proximal humeral shaft. Bone fragments are seen within the soft tissues of the remaining right arm. Linear fracture of the acromion process is also demonstrated. 

Case courtesy of Dr Karlo Jose Villanueva. 

Case Discussion

This case shows an example of a sideswipe injury resulting to traumatic amputation of the arm.  This is a reason why we are warned to “keep your arms inside the car at all times!”

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