Humerus fractures from civilian gunshot wounds may be treated nonoperatively

http://www.healio.com/orthopedics/trauma/news/online/%7Bbadfe790-0996-4c25-9bb7-fca1c51f8699%7D/humerus-fractures-from-civilian-gunshot-wounds-may-be-treated-nonoperatively

Humerus fractures from civilian gunshot wounds may be treated nonoperatively

Vaidya R. Orthopedics. 2014;doi:10.3928/01477447-20140225-66.

• April 24, 2014

Humerus fractures from civilian gunshot wounds may be treated nonoperatively Most humerus fractures among a select group of patients who required surgical stabilization following civilian gunshot wounds may be treated nonoperatively, according to a recently published study. “Fracture of the humerus following a civilian gunshot wound is associated with limited soft tissue damage, extensive comminution, and, in the current study, a significant incidence of neurologic or vascular injury. Many patients can be treated nonoperatively with coaptation splints followed by bracing with good results. Neurologic recovery can be expected approximately 70% of the time,” the researchers wrote. “The current authors agree with previous reports and have data from their own experience that the decision to perform surgical stabilization of the fracture involves polytrauma, obesity, associated vascular injury or extensive soft tissue damage, nonunion or inability to comply with splinting and bracing. These patients often do not return for follow-up due to socioeconomic reasons, creating a new set of challenges regarding their care.”