title: Seizure induced polytrauma; not just posterior dislocation of the shoulder.
abstract: A 61-year-old woman sustained multiple fractures secondary to the tonic clonic muscular contractions of a seizure. Her injuries included: bilateral proximal humerus posterior fracture dislocations, manubrium fracture, unstable sixth thoracic vertebrae crush fracture, bilateral acetabular fractures and a left femoral neck fracture. Seizures are a rare but recognised cause of fracture. Patients with osteoporosis are more susceptible to more serious fractures to long bones, spine and pelvis. The lack of history of high-energy trauma can lead to a delay in diagnosis. Rarely, the combination and magnitude of these injuries can be life-threatening.
authors: Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Cambridge University Hospitals Foundation Trust, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK.
authors: James Ritchie
authors: JR
authors: Gill
authors: Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Cambridge University Hospitals Foundation Trust, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK.
authors: Colin G
authors: CG
authors: Murphy
authors: Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Cambridge University Hospitals Foundation Trust, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK.
authors: Benjamin
authors: B
authors: Quansah
authors: Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Cambridge University Hospitals Foundation Trust, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK.
authors: Andrew D
authors: AD
authors: Carrothers
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D000069076:Fractures, Multiple / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000209:etiology*; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000150:complications*; D010388:Pelvis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D012640:Seizures / Q000150:complications*; D012783:Shoulder Dislocation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed