What is a Holstein-Lewis Fracture?
A Holstein-Lewis fracture is a serious injury of the upper arm that is often accompanied by nerve damage. The humerus provides structure and support to the upper arm, connecting the shoulder to the elbow. This is one of the thickest bones in the body and requires a significant impact to cause a fracture. Like other bones, the humerus can fracture in a variety of locations, each with different health impacts. If the fracture in the humerus takes place close to its articulation with the elbow, it can lead to an injury called a Holstein-Lewis fracture.
The reason why a Holstein-Lewis fracture is so serious is that it can be accompanied by nerve damage. While bone fractures can be placed in a cast and typically heal, the same cannot be said of nerve injuries. For this reason, it is important for everyone to understand the basics of this severe bone fracture.
What are the Symptoms of a Holstein-Lewis Fracture?
The humerus is one of the largest bones in the body and, therefore, any fracture in this bone is likely to produce serious symptoms. Someone with this type of fracture will have a hard time moving their arm at all. They will have trouble moving their shoulder, upper arm, or elbow. Any movement of their arm is likely to produce tremendous pain.
In addition, there is likely to be swelling at the location of the injury. This swelling can make it hard for doctors to fully evaluate the injury; however, once the swelling goes down, there might be an obvious deformity of the upper arm underneath the surface of the skin. When touching the area, the doctor might even be able to feel a portion of the bone fracture.
How Does Nerve Damage Develop in this Injury?
In a Holstein-Lewis fracture, the bottom third of the humerus is broken. The radial nerve runs through this area of the upper arm. This nerve is one of the largest nerves in the body and is responsible for innervating many of the muscles that control the lower arm, wrist, and hand. During its journey through the arm, the radial nerve actually makes contact with a portion of the humerus called the spiral groove.
As a result, damage to this part of the humerus can also lead to damage to the radial nerve. Some of the symptoms of nerve damage include numbness and tingling in certain parts of the arm in addition to weakness in the wrist and fingers. Anyone with these symptoms must be evaluated immediately by a medical professional. If not corrected quickly, this nerve damage might become permanent.
The Treatment of This Injury
The doctor will need to thoroughly evaluate the arm to look for signs of radial nerve entrapment. The physician will also take x-rays of the arm to see whether or not the fracture has been displaced. In many cases, this injury is going to require surgical repair. The surgeon will make sure the radial nerve intact. Then, screws and plates will be used to put the humerus back together. Once this is completed, the arm will be placed in a cast. Physical therapy will be performed to ensure that all muscles innervated by the radial nerve are intact. If the injury is treated quickly, the prognosis is good.
Sacramento Personal Injury Attorneys
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Personal Injury Attorney. A Holstein-Lewis fracture can lead to entrapment of the radial nerve, leading to serious damage. Individuals suffering complications of an injury due to the negligence of another person or entity should reach out to me at (800) 404-5400 and/or (916) 921-6400 to receive free, friendly legal guidance and advice.
I’m honored to be a part of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum in addition to the Top One Percent, which is an honored National Association of Distinguished Counsel. The legal professionals in this group have both earned verdicts & negotiated case settlements valued at more than $1 million.
Please take a short break and read through the listing of our verdicts & settlements saved at this location.
My guests should take some time to look at the list our client summaries saved on Avvo, Yelp, & Google
:dr rtc [cs 745]