Case report: a case of single-sided shoulder blade fracture resulting from an electrical shock

Abstract

Electric shock injuries, a category of severe industrial accidents, often entail the risk of multi-organ damage. In the present unique case report, the infrequent occurrence of a right scapular fracture stemming from an electric shock accident is described. A male patient in his early 30s accidentally received an electric shock while working, resulting in pain in the right upper limb and shoulder. Although he had no obvious external injuries, physical examination revealed a decrease in muscle strength in the right upper limb. Following magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography, a comminuted fracture of the scapula was diagnosed. The patient received emergency symptomatic treatment, including pain relief, anti-infection measures, and nutritional support for the myocardium, and subsequent orthopaedic surgical intervention for fracture fixation. The patient recovered well after surgery, with muscle strength gradually returning. This report documents the rarely-described occurrence of non-traumatic unilateral scapular fractures following an electric shock. Medical practitioners should be aware of the wide range of potential injuries, including fractures, when evaluating patients with electric shock injuries.