Spiral fracture of the humerus in a ball thrower.

Spiral fractures of the humerus in ball throwers are rare clinical entities that can be confused with pathologic fractures. These fractures have been reported in various throwing sports, arm wrestling, and hand grenade throwing. They most commonly occur in the distal third of the humerus in young, active individuals. They are often preceded by throwing arm pain. Neurologic sequelae are rare. Herein, a case is presented of spiral fracture of the humerus in a softball player, and the assessment and management of these fractures, as well as their etiologic contrast to stress and pathologic fractures, are reviewed.