Proximal humerus fracture-dislocation in a pediatric patient: a case report

Abstract

Proximal humerus fractures in pediatric patients have a low incidence, accounting for less than 1% of all pediatric fractures. The association between a proximal humerus fracture and ipsilateral glenohumeral dislocation has an even lower incidence, particularly in patients under 5 years of age. We report the case of a 4-year-old female patient who presented with a proximal humerus fracture associated with an ipsilateral glenohumeral dislocation after falling from a height of 1.5 meters. A surgical procedure was performed under general anesthesia, consisting of closed reduction and percutaneous fixation of the fracture with two 1.6 mm k-wire. The fracture was protected with a universal shoulder immobilizer. Adequate clinical and radiological evolution was observed after one year of follow-up. Proximal humerus injuries in pediatric patients, given their low incidence, require expertise for proper diagnosis and management. Repots in the literature are scare, and therefore, a clear consensus on a treatment has not been reached. However, our treatment with a less aggressive approach compared to others reported in the literature showed adequate clinical and radiological results.