Posterior fracture-dislocation of the humeral head treated without the use of metallic implants

Tey IK, Tan AHC
Correspondence: Dr Tey Inn Kuang, innkuang@hotmail.com

ABSTRACT
Posterior fracture-dislocation of the humeral head is an uncommon injury, usually associated with seizures, electrocution injury and high-impact trauma. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent avascular necrosis of the humeral head. Various methods to treat such injury have been described. We report a 34-year-old man who had a four-part humeral head fracture with concomitant posterior dislocation that was treated with open reduction and internal fixation with non-absorbable polyester sutures. The diagnosis and operative techniques are described and factors influencing our choice of management are discussed. A review of the literature is also included.

Keywords: avascular necrosis, fracture treatment, humeral head fracture, non-absorbable polyester sutures, posterior dislocation
Singapore Med J 2007; 48(4): e114–e118