Korean J Sports Med.  2025 Mar;43(1):23-29. 10.5763/kjsm.2025.43.1.23.

Humerus Shaft Fracture Caused by Arm Wrestling Injury in South Korean Military: Surgical Outcome and Radiologic Analysis

• Won YS
• Min TH
• Kwak WK
• Kim JS
• Ahn BH
• Ha C

• KMID: 2565712
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5763/kjsm.2025.43.1.23

Abstract

Purpose
Arm wrestling is a common strength competition, particularly among young men, including military personnel. While previous studies have examined humeral shaft fractures from arm wrestling or in soldiers, no research has focused on both. This study evaluates the outcomes of dual plating fixation via the anterolateral approach for arm wrestling-induced fractures in soldiers.
Methods
This retrospective study included 18 male patients (mean age, 21.7 years) treated at the Armed Forces Daejeon Hospital (May 2022–December 2023). Data on rank, radial nerve injury, fracture type (AO-OTA classification), and clinical outcomes (union time, radial nerve recovery, DASH score) were analyzed.
Results
The cohort included 12 soldiers, two non-commissioned officers, and four officers. Common fracture types were A1 and B1, with four cases of radial nerve palsy. Union occurred at 12.5 weeks, and nerve recovery averaged 15 weeks. No cases of non-union or persistent nerve damage were observed.
Conclusion
Arm wrestling carries a high risk of humeral fractures in soldiers. Awareness and preventive measures should be emphasized. The dual plating fixation technique via the anterolateral approach is highly effective, demonstrating excellent union and recovery outcomes.

Keyword

Humerus; Arm wrestling; Bone fractures; Military medicine

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Flow chart of this study. ORIF: open reduction and internal fixation.

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  Fig. 2 (A−D) Intraoperative fluoroscopy of anterolateral dual plating. (E, F) Preoperative radiograph of humeral arm wrestling fracture. (G) Intraoperative photo of radial nerve location.

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  Fig. 3 (A, B) Postoperative radiograph of humeral arm wrestling fracture treated by anterolateral dual plating. (C, D) Postoperative range of motion of humeral arm wrestling fracture patient. Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for the publication of this study including all clinical images.

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  Fig. 4 Pathomechanism of humeral arm wrestling fracture.

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