Bilateral Shoulder Fracture-Dislocations

Dr. Aufranc: This is the final in a series of three presentations devoted to the management of severe fractures involving the proximal end of the humerus and the shoulder joint. The great majority of patients with fractures in this area can be managed by simply supporting the arm and carefully supervising a gradually progressive program of shoulder exercises. Patient, repetitive, and careful attention to the rehabilitation of shoulder-joint function will reward both patient and physician with a functional range of shoulder motion. Normal motion is not often achieved, but sufficient motion for personal needs is almost always achieved. Today's case is unusual in that the patient was young, the fractures were bilateral, and major reconstructive surgery was necessary.

Dr. Turner: A 36-year-old astronautical engineer sustained a generalized convulsion and was unconscious for at least two minutes following his seizure. When the patient regained consciousness, he noticed severe pain bilaterally in