Kosin Med J.  2012 Jun;27(1):57-60. 10.7180/kmj.2012.27.1.57.

A Comminuted Spiral Fracture with Butterfly Fragment of Distal Humerus by Arm Wrestling: A Case Report

• Lee GW
• Son JH
• Kim TH

• KMID: 1993588
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7180/kmj.2012.27.1.57

Abstract

The fracture of the humerus during arm wrestling are uncommon, but may occur in the shaft or medial condyle. In the shaft of humerus, the fractures are usually spiral and between the middle and distal third, with or without neurological involvement. A case of a comminuted spiral fracture with butterfly fragment of the distal third of the humerus is reported which had occurred during arm wrestling and was treated by open reduction and internal fixation. The possible mechanism of injury and the question of treatment are discussed.

Keyword

Arm wrestling; Distal humerus; Fracture

MeSH Terms

Arm
Butterflies
Humerus
Wrestling

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Initial radiographs of comminuted spiral fracture with butterfly fragment in distal humerus due to arm wrestling in a 22-year-old man.

• 

  Fig. 2 Postoperative radiographs shows precise reduction and stable fixation with plate and wiring.

• 

  Fig. 3 Follow-up radiographs 6 months after operation shows well healing without complication.

• 

  Fig. 4 In 1.6 years postoperatively, plate and wire was removed. And well-healed fracture site was observed.

Reference

1. Brismar B, Spangen L. Fracture of the humerus from arm wrestling. Acta Orthop Scand. 1975. 46:707–708.

2. de Barros JW, Oliveira DJ. Fractures of the humerus in arm wrestling. Int Orthop. 1995. 19:390–391.

3. Khashaba A. Broken arm wrestler. Br J Sports Med. 2000. 34:461–462.

4. Low BY, Lim J. Fracture of Humerus During Arm Wrestling: Report of 5 cases. Singapore Med J. 1991. 32:47–49.

5. Whitaker JH. Arm wrestling fractures-a humerus twist. Am J Sports Med. 1977. 5:67–77.

6. Moon MS, Kim I, Kang H. Arm Wrestler's Injury -Report of 3 cases-. J Korean Orthop Assoc. 1977. 12:51–54.

7. Pratt DA, Tennent TD. Proximal biceps rupture: management of an unusual injury in an arm wrestler. Br J Sports Med. 2007. 41:459.

8. Heilbronner DM, Manoli A 2nd, Morawa LG. Fractures of the humerus in arm wrestlers. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1980. 149:169–171.

9. Ahčan U, Aleš A, Završnik J. Spiral Fracture of the Humerus Caused by Arm Wrestling. European Journal of Trauma. 2000. 26:308–311.