He sustained a complex arm injury during a combat mission

This is the story of a serviceman who, while carrying out a combat order, sustained a severe injury to his left arm. Ahead lies a long course of treatment and surgery required to restore limb function.

Brief overview of the case:

• Date of injury: 27.02.2025
• Type of injury: shrapnel damage to the left upper limb
• Damage: fractures of the forearm bones and the elbow joint
• Condition: bones have not healed, arm function is limited

Circumstances of the injury

On 27.02.2025, while carrying out a combat order, the position near the village of Ternova in the Kharkiv region was attacked as a result of a UAV drop.

As a result of the explosion, the serviceman sustained multiple injuries. The left arm was most severely affected — the forearm bones and the elbow joint area were damaged.

After the injury, evacuation was organized and treatment began; however, the trauma proved complex and requires further surgical interventions.

Medical diagnosis

Consequences of a gunshot shrapnel injury to the left elbow joint and forearm. Non-union fractures of both forearm bones with displacement and the presence of foreign bodies.

• limited movement in the wrist and elbow joints;
• ulnar nerve damage;
• consequences of multiple surgical interventions;
• significant impairment of left arm function.

Despite the performed surgeries (wound debridement, fracture fixation, soft tissue reconstruction, and removal of fixation devices), the bones have not fully healed, and arm function remains limited.

Essence of the medical decision

The bones of the left arm were severely damaged and did not heal properly. As a result, the arm lacks proper support and mobility, and part of its function has been lost due to nerve injury.

Clinical decision

Planned surgical treatment: open reduction of fractures with plate and screw fixation, with possible bone autografting.

This intervention is necessary to stabilize the bones, achieve proper union, and further restore arm function.