Missed posterior fracture-dislocation of the humeral head following an electrocution injury to the arm.
Posterior dislocation of the shoulder is a rare and commonly missed injury. While prompt diagnosis and treatment is important to prevent untoward sequelae, it is often diagnosed and treated too late. The first reported case of a posterior fracture-dislocation of the humeral head following a domestic electrocution accident in Singapore is described in a 52-year-old man. The injury was missed by several doctors before a humeral head replacement was done. The diagnostic pitfalls and management of this injury and ways to avoid a missed or delayed diagnosis are discussed.
Tan
A H C
AH
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore 169608. goothc@sgh.com.sg
D004556:Electric Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D012783:Shoulder Dislocation / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery