Humeral Head Fracture with Intrathoracic Migration

Abstract

Fracture-dislocation of the humeral head with intrathoracic migration is extremely rare. In our study we describe the case of a 23-year-old man who was admitted to the emergency clinic of our hospital, after being injured in a high-speed motor vehicle accident. The patient presented in a state of hemorrhagic shock and severe respiratory disease. Chest radiography showed fracture of the right humeral head and the presence of a round radio-density area resting on the diaphragm right hemithorax. The total body computed tomography scan revealed a right pneumothorax related to the presence in the chest cavity of the fractured humeral head, longitudinal fracture of the sacrum, and diastasis of the symphysis pubis. After an initial hemodynamic stabilization the patient underwent surgical excision of the humeral head and its replanting. It is important after airway management and the use of diagnostic imaging, the treatment of any injuries associated with the trauma.