Orthopaedic Surgery

Answer 5 Fractures caused by low-velocity gunshot wounds. Floating elbow, bilateral humeral fracture, and polytrauma are all indications for operative stabilization of humeral fractures because fixation allows mobilization of severely injured extremities and patients. Neurologic loss after fracture manipulation implies nerve entrapment at the fracture site and should be explored to ascertain the position and condition of the nerve, after which the fracture should be stabilized operatively. For fractures caused by low-velocity gunshot wounds, the entrance wound should be débrided, and the fracture can then be managed the same as a closed injury. Click here to return to the questions

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