COMPLEX FRACTURE PATTERNS OF THE UPPER EXTREMITY

Combined skeletal injuries to the upper limb present complex managemen t problems because they may result in dysfunction of the terminal unit of the upper limb-the hand. This article explores complex patterns of skeletal and soft tissue injuries, including complex soft tissue trau ma with closed and open fractures; the floating shoulder, elbow, and f orearm; and the role of skeletal fixation in conjunction with the comp lex fracture patterns. As the functional capacity of the upper limb re flects an integration of all its component parts, a combined approach to skeletal and soft tissue trauma is of fundamental importance in upp er limb trauma.