Fractures of the humerus in arm wrestlers.

In 7 cases of fracture of the humerus occurring in arm wrestlers, each patient sustained a simple spiral fracture of the distal third of the humerus. No patient had any neural or vascular compromise. Three patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation with 2 screws, at which time, muscle was found to be interposed between the fracture fragments. The other 4 patients were treated in hanging arm casts. All of the fractures united. Of the 41 cases of this injury reported in English medical literature there were 5 patients with radial nerve palsy and 16 patients who had had operative treatment of the injury. Because of the possibility of participants sustaining such an injury, arm wrestling should not be considered a totally benign sport.