title: A continuum between scapulothoracic dissociation and traumatic forequarter amputation: a review of the literature.
abstract: Both traumatic forequarter amputation and scapulothoracic dissociation are rare and life-threatening injuries. We present the case of a 31-year old woman who was ejected from a car after a motor vehicle accident and sustained an apparent partial forequarter amputation. Upon examination her injury was found to share many characteristics with a scapulothoracic dissociation injury. With both injuries mortality is high and prompt diagnosis and treatment imperative. By viewing scapulothoracic dissociation and forequarter amputation as a continuum faster recognition and appropriate treatment may be implemented for these devastating injuries.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 35294, USA.
authors.forename: L S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Estrada
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Alonso
authors.forename: L W
authors.initials: LW
authors.lastname: Rue
mesh_terms: D000173:Acromioclavicular Joint / Q000293:injuries; D000328:Adult; D000673:Amputation, Traumatic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D001134:Arm Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000293:injuries; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000473:pathology; D011859:Radiography; D012540:Scapula / Q000293:injuries*; D000070599:Shoulder Injuries