title: Complex fracture patterns of the upper extremity.
abstract: Combined skeletal injuries to the upper limb present complex management problems because they may result in dysfunction of the terminal unit of the upper limb-the hand. This article explores complex patterns of skeletal and soft tissue injuries, including complex soft tissue trauma with closed and open fractures; the floating shoulder, elbow, and forearm; and the role of skeletal fixation in conjunction with the complex fracture patterns. As the functional capacity of the upper limb reflects an integration of all its component parts, a combined approach to skeletal and soft tissue trauma is of fundamental importance in upper limb trauma.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114, USA.
authors.forename: N S
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Simpson
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Jupiter
mesh_terms: D001134:Arm Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D002968:Clavicle / Q000293:injuries; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D006811:Humerus / Q000293:injuries; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000601:surgery*; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000601:surgery; D012540:Scapula / Q000293:injuries; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D000092464:Elbow Injuries