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Fractures of the humerus in the neonatal period
Nir Sherr-Lurie1, Gad M Bialik, Abraham Ganel
1Pediatric Orthopedic Unit, Safra Hospital for Children, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, affiliated with Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel.
Insights
Diagnosing neonatal humeral fractures, particularly in the epiphyses, can be challenging. Ultrasonography offers a simple, effective method for early detection and management of these birth-related injuries.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Pediatric orthopedics
- Medical imaging
Background:
- Humeral fractures in newborns present diagnostic difficulties, especially involving the proximal or distal epiphyses.
- Accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the experience with diagnosing and treating birth-related humeral fractures in neonates.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of different diagnostic and treatment modalities.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of nine neonatal patients with humeral fractures (2001-2009).
- Diagnosis utilized radiography and ultrasonography.
- Treatment included manipulation and casting for shaft/distal fractures, and swaddling for proximal fractures.
Main Results:
- All fractures achieved union within two weeks.
- Radiographs at six months showed complete remodeling.
- Ultrasonography proved effective for diagnosing epiphyseal fractures.
Conclusions:
- Ultrasonography is a valuable, accessible, and cost-effective tool for diagnosing neonatal humeral fractures, particularly those involving unossified epiphyses.
- Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management lead to excellent outcomes.
Background:
Fractures of the humerus in neonates can pose a diagnostic challenge, especially when the fracture occurs in the proximal or distal epiphysis.
Objectives:
To review our experience in the diagnosis and treatment of birth-related humeral fractures.
Methods:
Between the years 2001 and 2009, seven newborn patients and two patients treated in the neonatal intensive care unit sustained a fracture of the humerus. Four of the fractures occurred in the humeral shaft, three in the proximal epiphysis and two in the distal epiphysis. In all the newborn patients the diagnosis was made on the first day of life using radiography and ultrasonography. The fractures of the shaft and of the distal epiphysis were treated by gentle manipulation and casting, and the fractures of the proximal epiphysis were treated by swaddling.
Results:
All of the patients demonstrated fracture union within 2 weeks, and radiographs at the age of 6 months demonstrated complete remodeling of the fracture.
Conclusions:
Ultrasonography is a simple, readily available and inexpensive modality for the diagnosis of birth-related fractures of the humerus, especially in the yet unossified epiphyses.
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