Impalement injuries of the shoulder: a case report with literature review

Acta Biomed. 2022 Mar 10;92(S3):e2021565. doi: 10.23750/abm.v92iS3.12563.

Abstract

The management of penetrating skeletal extremity trauma is a clinical challenge even for experienced surgeons. While the treatment of associated vascular injuries should be prioritized, there is still a lack of evidence regarding the management of foreign bodies in case of bone fractures or neurological injuries. Here we present a case of impalement of the right proximal humerus with a construction steel rod. The 54-year-old man was successfully treated without vascular, neurological, and thoracic sequelae. A review of the current literature about the most appropriate extrication sequences and soft tissue reconstruction following massive foreign body injuries was carried out.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Foreign Bodies* / diagnostic imaging
  • Foreign Bodies* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Shoulder
  • Shoulder Injuries*
  • Thoracic Injuries* / complications
  • Thoracic Injuries* / surgery
  • Wounds, Penetrating* / complications
  • Wounds, Penetrating* / surgery