Ipsilateral Displaced Physeal Fractures of the Proximal and Distal Humerus with Subperiosteal Extrusion in a 6-Year-Old Child: A Case Report.

Case: We present a case of a 6-year-old male child with ipsilateral proximal and distal physeal separation of humerus with subperiosteal extrusion after manipulation by a bonesetter. Treatment included open reduction and internal fixation with Kirschner wire proximally and distally. At 1.5-year follow-up, the child had a shortening of 0.5 cm, no pain, and/or no instability.

Conclusion: Manipulation by bonesetters, a commonplace in developing countries, can produce unpredictable complications and compromise outcomes. Although accepted in certain settings, the regional orthopaedic surgeons should be mindful of the unique clinical challenges imposed by such a practice.