SALTER-HARRIS TYPE-III FRACTURE-DISLOCATION OF THE PROXIMAL HUMERUS

Salter-Harris type III fractures of the proximal humerus are rare inju ries. We report a Salter-Harris type III anterior fracture-dislocation of the proximal humerus in a 10-year-old boy that was open reduced an d internally stabilized. A bone scan performed during the initial hosp italization and at 2-year follow-up revealed devascularization and sub sequent revascularization of the humeral head. At 2-year follow-up, th e patient had full motion of the shoulder, no pain, and ann strength e qual to that of the contralateral side. Four cases of Salter-Harris ty pe III fracturse of the proximal humerus have been previously reported ; good early clinical outcomes were obtained in all. Despite devascula rization of the epiphyseal fragment, excellent clinical outcomes may r esult.