Ipsilateral Displaced Physeal Fractures of the Proximal and Distal Humerus with Subperiosteal Extrusion in a
Aditya Kaushal1, Sanya Vermani2, Jessica Kaushal3
1Department of Orthopaedics, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India.
Insights
Manipulation by bonesetters caused a rare humerus physeal separation in a child. Surgical fixation led to a good outcome, highlighting the risks of non-medical bone manipulation.
Area of Science:
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Pediatric Orthopaedics
- Traumatology
Background:
- Manipulation by bonesetters is prevalent in developing nations, often leading to adverse outcomes.
- This practice can result in severe skeletal injuries, complicating treatment.
- Regional orthopaedic surgeons must be aware of the challenges posed by bonesetter-induced injuries.
Observation:
- A 6-year-old male presented with ipsilateral proximal and distal physeal separation of the humerus.
- The injury occurred after manipulation by a bonesetter, with associated subperiosteal extrusion.
- The patient underwent open reduction and internal fixation using Kirschner wires.
Findings:
- The surgical intervention successfully stabilized the humerus fracture.
- At 1.5-year follow-up, the child exhibited minimal shortening (0.5 cm).
- The patient reported no pain or instability, indicating a positive functional recovery.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for serious complications from non-medical bone manipulation.
- Effective surgical management can achieve favorable outcomes even in complex physeal injuries.
- Awareness and preparedness are crucial for orthopaedic surgeons managing such cases.
Case:
We present a case of a 6-year-old male child with ipsilateral proximal and distal physeal separation of humerus with subperiosteal extrusion after manipulation by a bonesetter. Treatment included open reduction and internal fixation with Kirschner wire proximally and distally. At 1.5-year follow-up, the child had a shortening of 0.5 cm, no pain, and/or no instability.
Conclusion:
Manipulation by bonesetters, a commonplace in developing countries, can produce unpredictable complications and compromise outcomes. Although accepted in certain settings, the regional orthopaedic surgeons should be mindful of the unique clinical challenges imposed by such a practice.
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