[Shaft fractures of the upper extremities and concomitant injuries : Epidemiology, classification, diagnostics and clinical relevance].

Abstract

Shaft fractures of the upper extremities represent a significant challenge in trauma surgery due to their functional importance. The epidemiological analysis reveals characteristic distribution patterns: humeral shaft fractures (1.2-5% of all fractures) show a bimodal age distribution, with peaks at 20-30 years and above 60 years. Forearm shaft fractures (13.8/100,000 inhabitants [1]) occur particularly frequently in children and decrease with advancing age. The classification primarily follows the AO/OTA system, which was comprehensively revised in 2018, supplemented by specific classifications for special types, such as Monteggia and Galeazzi fractures. In the diagnostics, conventional radiography remains the initial standard, while computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and increasingly high-resolution sonography serve as complementary methods for assessing complex fracture morphologies and associated soft tissue injuries. Concomitant neurological injuries, especially radial nerve palsy in humeral shaft fractures (2-17%), which otherwise occur less frequently in routine trauma surgery, require differential diagnostics and individualized treatment concepts. While the majority of nerve lesions show spontaneous remission, microsurgical reconstruction techniques exist for persistent cases. Innovative approaches such as biological augmentation, virtual reality (VR)-based neurorehabilitation or functional electrical nerve stimulation could improve outcomes in the future. Interdisciplinary collaboration between orthopedic surgery, neurology and rehabilitation medicine is essential for optimal treatment results.