Seizure induced polytrauma; not just posterior dislocation of the shoulder

BMJ Case Rep. 2015 Aug 25:2015:bcr2015211445. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2015-211445.

Abstract

A 61-year-old woman sustained multiple fractures secondary to the tonic clonic muscular contractions of a seizure. Her injuries included: bilateral proximal humerus posterior fracture dislocations, manubrium fracture, unstable sixth thoracic vertebrae crush fracture, bilateral acetabular fractures and a left femoral neck fracture. Seizures are a rare but recognised cause of fracture. Patients with osteoporosis are more susceptible to more serious fractures to long bones, spine and pelvis. The lack of history of high-energy trauma can lead to a delay in diagnosis. Rarely, the combination and magnitude of these injuries can be life-threatening.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Fractures, Multiple / diagnostic imaging
  • Fractures, Multiple / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Trauma / etiology*
  • Osteoporosis / complications*
  • Pelvis / diagnostic imaging
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Seizures / complications*
  • Shoulder Dislocation / diagnostic imaging
  • Shoulder Dislocation / etiology*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed