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

Monica R. Pech Lizarraga; Aaron I. Pacheco Güemez

doi:10.18203/issn.2455-4510.IntJResOrthop20262050

Authors

Monica R. Pech Lizarraga Orthopedics Division, Hospital General “Dr. Agustín O’Horán”, Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, México
Aaron I. Pacheco Güemez Orthopedics Division, Hospital General “Dr. Agustín O’Horán”, Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, México

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2455-4510.IntJResOrthop20262050

Keywords:

Fracture, Dislocation, Pediatric humerus, Physeal injury

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.

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