The Fractures of Humerus Shaft and Medial Epicondyle by Arm Wrestling

PURPOSE: To evaluate the mechanism of the humeral fractures induced by arm wrestling and the clinical results of its treatment. MATERIALS AND METHOD: We reviewed 7 humeral fractures induced by arm wrestling; 3 humeral shaft fractures, 4 humeral medial epicondyle fractures. The mechanism of the fractures and the clinical results were assessed by history and radiographs. RESULTS: Shaft fractures were produced by twist and axial compression force. Humeral medial epicondyle fractures were the avulsion fractures by excessive contraction of flexor muscles and developed in young age. We operated 6 of them and in all cases, we could obtain fracture healings without complication. CONCLUSION: The humeral fractures induced by arm wrestling have the differences in the ages and mechanisms as to the locations of the fractures and if the proper treatment is performed, the clinical results are satisfactory.

Evaluation of the Patterns of Tibial Plateau Fractures using MRI / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To analyse the efficacy of MRI in assessing fracture configuration of tibial plateau. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subjects were consisted of the MR images and the plain radiographs of the thirty one patients with tibial plateau fracture. With the plain radiographs, the fractures were classified according to the Schatzker's system and the amount of depression and displacement, location of the major fragment were measured. Then the same parameters were measured with MR images. Additionally new fracture lines and resulting fragments which can be fixed with a screw or transfixing wire were described. The two groups were compared with the each parameters. RESULTS: Fracture classifications were changed in 4 cases. The locations of main fragment were changed in 10 cases. Significant difference was noted in the amount of articular depression (p<0.05) but no significant difference was found in displacement (p=0.332) . Especially in Schatzker-VI cases, articular step offs over 2mm and articular fragments over 2x2cm were revealed in detail by MRI (p<0.05) . CONCLUSION: Fracture type, amount of depression, location, and fracture configuration can be better visualized by MRI, especially in highly comminuted plateau fractures (Schatzker-VI) . The MR imaging seems to be recommended as a primary mode for evaluation of plateau fractures, especially in Schatzker-VI fractures.