Humeral head osteonecrosis caused by electrical injury: a case report

J Emerg Med. 1993 Jan-Feb;11(1):17-21. doi: 10.1016/0736-4679(93)90004-q.

Abstract

Various musculoskeletal abnormalities caused by electrical injury are described. Such abnormalities usually include fractures or dislocation of adjacent bones and joints. Osteonecrosis is a noteworthy, but less common, consequence of electric shock. The case is discussed of a 52-year-old woman who had received an electric shock (220-V alternating household current) to the right hand and developed osteonecrosis in the ipsilateral humeral head, most likely caused by bone "melting." An osteonecrotic lesion may therefore develop in a joint at a distance from the point of electrical contact, and this must always be kept in mind in diagnosis and treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Electric Injuries / complications*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteonecrosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Osteonecrosis / etiology*
  • Osteonecrosis / physiopathology
  • Radiography
  • Shoulder / diagnostic imaging*