Tiger Attack Resulting in a Humeral Defect Treated with Proximal Humeral Replacement and Latissimus Dorsi Flap: A Case Report

Authors

John D. Murphy, HCA HealthcareFollow
William R. Judson IV, HCA HealthcareFollow
Lauren Edge, HCA HealthcareFollow
Michael Vollant, HCA HealthcareFollow
John Harker, HCA HealthcareFollow
Anthony FlorschutzFollow

Division

West Florida

Hospital

Largo Medical Center

Document Type

Case Report

Publication Date

6-23-2023

Keywords

wounds and injuries, fracture, bone defect

Disciplines

Orthopedics | Surgical Procedures, Operative

Abstract

CASE: A 69-year-old woman presented with a type IIIB left proximal humerus fracture with a 500-square-centimeter soft tissue defect, 10-cm bone defect, and radial nerve laceration after a tiger attack. The surgical intervention included proximal humeral replacement with muscular integration, radial nerve repair, and latissimus dorsi flap coverage.

CONCLUSION: This case presents an exceedingly rare injury mechanism resulting in a significant soft tissue and bone defect. Its novelty lies in the complexity of the injury, which required a well-coordinated multispecialty treatment approach. This strategy applies to injuries with similar extensive soft tissue and bone defects.

Publisher or Conference

JBJS Case Connector

Recommended Citation

Murphy JD, Judson WR 4th, Edge L, Vollant M, Harker J, Florschutz A. Tiger Attack Resulting in a Humeral Defect Treated with Proximal Humeral Replacement and Latissimus Dorsi Flap: A Case Report. JBJS Case Connect. 2023;13(2):e22.00501. doi:10.2106/JBJS.CC.22.00501