Bilateral humeral fractures from electrically induced muscular spasm.
Various injuries have been attributed to electrical injury. Low voltage current, especially alternating current, can lead to sustained muscular contraction and subsequent fracture of adjacent bones or dislocation of affected joints. We present the case of a 57-year-old male who suffered electrical injury from hand to hand. He did suffer bilateral humeral head fractures but did not suffer cardiac or long-term neurologic injury. Failure to recognize that sustained muscular contraction can lead to fracture or dislocation can result in delayed diagnosis and inappropriate therapy. However, with prompt diagnosis and appropriate therapy, morbidity can be minimized.
Stueland
D T
DT
Section of Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine, Marshfield Clinic/St. Joseph's Hospital, Wisconsin 54449.
Stamas
P
P
Welter
T M
TM
Cleveland
D A
DA
D004556:Electric Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009135:Muscular Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D013035:Spasm