Seizure induced polytrauma; not just posterior dislocation of the shoulder

Abstract

A 61-year-old woman sustained multiple fractures secondary to the tonic clonic muscular contractions of a seizure. Her injuries included: bilateral proximal humerus posterior fracture dislocations, manubrium fracture, unstable sixth thoracic vertebrae crush fracture, bilateral acetabular fractures and a left femoral neck fracture. Seizures are a rare but recognised cause of fracture. Patients with osteoporosis are more susceptible to more serious fractures to long bones, spine and pelvis. The lack of history of high-energy trauma can lead to a delay in diagnosis. Rarely, the combination and magnitude of these injuries can be life-threatening.