«Acute shortening» and functional management of a grade 3B open humeral fracture using the Ilizarov method (case report)

Abstract

External fixation is an alternative to rigid internal fixation in the management of significant open fractures of the humerus. Acute shortening to primarily deal with soft tissue defects is well-recognised in the management of tibial fractures. A case is described whereby a grade 3B open humerus fracture with significant soft tissue injury was managed to union by acute shortening and Ilizarov stabilisation, maximising functional recovery. The use of acute shortening in humeral fractures has not previously been described.

Keywords

• открытый перелом плечевой кости
• метод илизарова
• чрескостный остеосинтез
• «острое укорочение»
• open humerus fracture
• ilizarov method
• external fixation
• acute shortening