Abstract
Humeral and elbow fractures are much rarer than those of the lower limbs and represent about 10% of all fractures. We performed a review of the literature and reported our experience in the management of these fractures. The technique mainly depends on the degree of exposure and contamination of the wound as happens for other fractures. From a close examination of the literature, which is really small, it appears that the main treatment for humeral fractures remains external fixation as an emergency stabilisation, and as final solution in case of severe mortification of muscle tissue. In case of distal humeral fracture or, in particular, of articular injuries classified as Gustilo I and II, a stable surgical treatment with plates or bone graft or dynamic fixator can be indicated for early mobilisation. In case of proximal forearm articular fractures with moderate bone exposition, the patient can be treated by stable ulnar fixation and radial reconstruction (if needed, with radial head prosthesis), if managed within six hours after the injury.
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Russo, R., Della Rotonda, G. Fratture esposte di omero e di gomito. LO SCALPELLO 30, 23–30 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11639-016-0155-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11639-016-0155-y