Noninvasive blood pressure cuff causing humerus fracture

Abstract

Blood pressure recording is a part of the routine set of initial observations for any patient. It is performed by variety of medical and paramedical personnel universally. Bone metastases and pathologic fracture of the bone are common in the elderly patient. Noninvasive blood pressure recording is innocuous procedure, although on rare occasions can cause iatrogenic fracture of the asymptomatic pathologic bone. This case report highlights the importance of vigilance to look for pain and tender area over the site of blood pressure cuff placement and before its inflation to record blood pressure, as it can be "traumatic" for the asymptomatic weak pathologic bone leading to a fracture. Iatrogenic fracture can add to the burden of a patient's medical problem, necessitating secondary surgical procedure, delaying recovery, and having the possibility of medicolegal problems.