Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 25, 2025
Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
Tiger Attack Resulting in a Humeral Defect Treated with Proximal Humeral Replacement and Latissimus Dorsi Flap: A
John David Murphy1, William R Judson1, Lauren Edge1
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, HCA Florida Largo Hospital, HCA Healthcare/USF Morsani College of Medicine GME, Largo, Florida.
Case:
A 69-year-old woman presented with a type IIIB left proximal humerus fracture with a 500-square-centimeter soft tissue defect, 10-cm bone defect, and radial nerve laceration after a tiger attack. The surgical intervention included proximal humeral replacement with muscular integration, radial nerve repair, and latissimus dorsi flap coverage.
Conclusion:
This case presents an exceedingly rare injury mechanism resulting in a significant soft tissue and bone defect. Its novelty lies in the complexity of the injury, which required a well-coordinated multispecialty treatment approach. This strategy applies to injuries with similar extensive soft tissue and bone defects.
