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A continuum between scapulothoracic dissociation and traumatic forequarter amputation: a review of the literature
L S Estrada1, J Alonso, L W Rue
1Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 35294, USA.
Both traumatic forequarter amputation and scapulothoracic dissociation are rare and life-threatening injuries. We present the case of a 31-year old woman who was ejected from a car after a motor vehicle accident and sustained an apparent partial forequarter amputation. Upon examination her injury was found to share many characteristics with a scapulothoracic dissociation injury. With both injuries mortality is high and prompt diagnosis and treatment imperative. By viewing scapulothoracic dissociation and forequarter amputation as a continuum faster recognition and appropriate treatment may be implemented for these devastating injuries.
Both traumatic forequarter amputation and scapulothoracic dissociation are rare and life-threatening injuries. We present the case of a 31-year old woman who was ejected from a car after a motor vehicle accident and sustained an apparent partial forequarter amputation. Upon examination her injury was found to share many characteristics with a scapulothoracic dissociation injury. With both injuries mortality is high and prompt diagnosis and treatment imperative. By viewing scapulothoracic dissociation and forequarter amputation as a continuum faster recognition and appropriate treatment may be implemented for these devastating injuries.
