Adesina Stephen Adesope, Amole Isaac Olusayo, Adefokun Imri Goodness, Adegoke Adepeju Olatayo, Odekhiran Ehimen Oluwadamilare, Ekunnrin Olusola Tunde, Ojo Simeon Ayorinde, Durodola Adewumi Ojeniyi, Ikem Innocent Chiedu, Eyesan Samuel Uwale
Bowen University Teaching Hospital, PO Box 15, Ogbomoso, Oyo, Nigeria.
Bowen University, P.M.B 284, Iwo, Osun, Nigeria.
J Med Case Rep. 2025 Jul 22;19(1):356. doi: 10.1186/s13256-025-05424-7.
Humeral shaft fractures constitute 1-5% of all adult fractures and 13% of humerus fractures. They usually result from low- or high-energy mechanisms. While several cases of bilateral proximal end-segment humerus fractures have been reported, simultaneous bilateral humeral shaft fractures are rare in previously healthy individuals. When they do occur, they are often accompanied by other injuries. Isolated simultaneous bilateral humeral shaft fractures following traffic accidents are exceptionally rare injuries. To our knowledge, only one such case has been reported. We present a case of isolated simultaneous bilateral humeral shaft fractures in a healthy woman following a traffic accident in which she sustained no other significant injuries. The aim is to emphasize the importance of healthcare providers being vigilant for uncommon injury patterns and being prepared to address them in ways that minimize disability.
A 43-year-old African (Yoruba) woman arrived at our hospital's Accident and Emergency Department 30 minutes after the passenger minibus, in which she was seated in the rear left row (driver's side), collided with a trailer. She was not wearing a seat belt. She remained conscious but complained of pain and an inability to lift both arms. Clinical and radiographic evaluation revealed an abrasion on her right shoulder and bilateral humeral shaft fractures (HSFs). There were no other injuries. The Injury Severity Score was 10. She underwent closed nailing of both fractures on the 4th day post-injury and was discharged on the 7th day post-surgery. She had an excellent functional outcome, and radiographic union was noted on her 12-week postoperative follow-up.
This case demonstrates a rare consequence of unsafe transportation systems in a developing country. It underscores the necessity for healthcare workers in such nations to be ready to manage uncommon injury patterns using limited resources in a manner that encourages early functional recovery and reduces mortality and disability.
肱骨干骨折占所有成人骨折的1%-5%，占肱骨骨折的13%。它们通常由低能量或高能量机制导致。虽然已有数例双侧近端肱骨骨折的报道，但在既往健康的个体中，双侧肱骨干同时骨折却很罕见。当这种情况发生时，通常还伴有其他损伤。交通事故后孤立的双侧肱骨干同时骨折是极为罕见的损伤。据我们所知，仅有一例此类病例被报道。我们报告一例健康女性在交通事故后发生孤立的双侧肱骨干同时骨折，且未伴有其他严重损伤。目的是强调医疗服务提供者警惕不常见损伤模式并准备好以最小化残疾的方式处理这些损伤的重要性。
一名43岁的非洲（约鲁巴族）女性，在她乘坐的位于左后排（驾驶员一侧）的小型客车与一辆拖车相撞30分钟后，抵达我院急诊科。她未系安全带。她神志清醒，但主诉疼痛且双臂无法抬起。临床和影像学评估显示其右肩部有擦伤以及双侧肱骨干骨折。无其他损伤。损伤严重程度评分为10分。她在受伤后第4天接受了双侧骨折的闭合髓内钉固定术，并于术后第7天出院。她获得了极佳的功能预后，术后12周随访时影像学显示骨折愈合。
本病例展示了发展中国家不安全交通系统的一种罕见后果。它强调了这些国家的医护人员有必要准备好利用有限资源处理不常见的损伤模式，以促进早期功能恢复并降低死亡率和残疾率。
