We report two similar rare types of fracture of the lower end of the humerus sustained in fit young adults while throwing a ball. Both cases were seen within 1 week in a busy accident and emergency (A&E) department. The types of fracture in each case are unusual and, in the past, have been attributed to fatigue or to a repetitive strain pattern.

The authors present the case of a body-builder who sustained a spiral fracture of the humerus during arm wrestling (Indian wrestling). The cause of the fracture and the underlying mechanism are discussed and it is concluded that it appears appropriate to warn body-builders and weight-lifters against arm wrestling.

VOL. 71-B. No. 5. NOVEMBER 1989 to stabilise the shoulder. They are then removed and mobilisation is begun. The remaining part of the fixator is removed when the fracture has united. Prophylactic antibiotics are given for the first 24 hours. Patients and results. We have treated two patients by the technique described. The first, a man of 19, had the injury shown in Figure 2 ; the reduction is ...

INTRODUCTION Axillary artery injury is a rare but severe complication of fractures of the surgical neck of the humerus. CASE PRESENTATION We present a case of axillary artery pseudoaneurysm secondary to such a fracture, in a 82-year-old white woman, presenting 10 weeks after the initial injury, successfully treated with subclavian to brachial reversed vein bypass together with simultaneous op...

Avulsion fracture of the brachioradialis origin at its proximal attachment on the lateral supracondylar ridge of the distal humerus is exceedingly rare, and only two cases have been reported in the literature so far. In this article, we present a 38 years old patient who sustained a closed avulsion fracture of the lateral supracondylar ridge of left humerus at the proximal attachment of brachio...

Supracondylar fracture of the humerus in children may be associated with nerve and vessel injury (Thomas and Alpar 1987). Sometimes attempts at manipulative reduction are unsuccessful. Recent papers have discussed treatment of displaced fractures by traction (Worlock and Colton 1984; Piggot, Graham and McCoy 1986). We report four cases in whom the neurovascular bundle and the biceps tendon came...

An example of a spontaneous spiral fracture of the humerus in a healthy softball player is presented. This rare injury is discussed, addressing the mechanisms of injury, the treatment, and the types of sports in which this type of fracture has been reported to occur.

Orthopaedic surgeons frequently have to deal with osteoporotic fractures of the distal radius, hip and proximal humerus. Low bone mineral density is not only associated with an increased fracture risk but also with more fracture displacement and reduction loss. The specific problems and main treatment options for these fragility fractures are reviewed.

The treatment of proximal humerus fractures continues to evolve. While the many of these injuries can be managed nonoperatively, a certain percentage require operative treatment. Open reduction internal fixation can offer excellent outcomes when performed in the appropriate patient and utilizing proper techniques. This article reviews the most up-to-date literature regarding all phases of proxi...