Case report
Atrophy of the brachialis muscle after a displaced clavicle fracture in an Ironman triathlete: case report
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* Corresponding author: Christoph A Rüst christoph.ruest@uzh.ch
1 Institute of General Practice and Health Services Research, University of Zurich, Pestalozzistrasse 24, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
2 Gesundheitszentrum St. Gallen, Vadianstrasse 26, CH-9000 St. Gallen, Switzerland
Journal of Brachial Plexus and Peripheral Nerve Injury 2011, 6:7 doi:10.1186/1749-7221-6-7
Published: 2 October 2011Abstract
Clavicle fractures are frequent injuries in athletes and midshaft clavicle fractures in particular are well-known injuries in Ironman triathletes. In 2000, Auzou et al. described the mechanism leading to an isolated truncular paralysis of the musculocutaneous nerve after a shoulder trauma. It is well-known that nerve palsies can lead to an atrophy of the associated muscle if they persist for months or even longer. In this case report we describe a new case of an Ironman triathlete suffering from a persistent isolated atrophy of the brachialis muscle. The atrophy occurred following a displaced midshaft clavicle fracture acquiring while falling off his bike after hitting a duck during a competition.