Arm wrestling fractures--a humerus twist.

Fractures of the humeral shaft in various throwing sports is a well recognized clinical entity. The specific etiology remains uncertain. Competitors engaged in Indian and/or wrist wrestling, a sport receiving increased interest, also are known to sustain humeral fractures. It is thought that these particular fractures are the result of bending moment, axial compression, and torsional forces applied to the humerus. The position of the arm during the match appears to be critical in determining the fracture pattern and location. Closed treatment was successful in all reported cases.