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Humeral Shaft Stress Fracture Completion in a Weight Lifter: A Case Report
Allen C Zhu1, Cody Lee2, Jason Strelzow2
1Pritzker School of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
JBJS Case Connector
|January 17, 2025
Summary
Humeral shaft stress fractures are common in athletes. This case highlights the importance of considering stress fractures in active individuals with chronic upper extremity pain, even without obvious trauma.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Sports Medicine
- Radiology
Background:
- Humeral shaft stress fractures are uncommon but can occur in athletes and military personnel due to repetitive overhead activities.
- Chronic upper extremity pain in physically active individuals warrants a broad differential diagnosis.
- Stress fractures may present insidiously, mimicking other causes of pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of a humeral shaft stress fracture in an amateur weight lifter.
- To emphasize the diagnostic considerations for atraumatic upper extremity pain in athletes.
Main Methods:
- A 34-year-old amateur weight lifter presented with 5 months of progressive, atraumatic right shoulder pain.
- Imaging revealed a proximal humeral shaft fracture.
- The patient underwent surgical treatment with open reduction and internal fixation.
Main Results:
- The fracture healed uneventfully following operative management.
- The patient successfully returned to weight lifting activities within 3 months post-surgery.
Conclusions:
- Humeral shaft stress fractures should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic upper extremity pain in athletes.
- Early recognition and appropriate management are crucial for return to sport.
