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John A. Henke, MD; Norman W. Thompson, MD; Herbert Kaufer, MD

Arch Surg. 1975;110(3):321-323.

Abstract
Profound hypercalcemia associated with immobilization is rare. Hypercalcemic crisis occurring as a result of immobilization in which there was not a coexisting, contributing medical condition has not, to our knowledge, been reported previously.

Failure to consider hypercalcemia as the source of progressive anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and irritability resulted in a respiratory arrest and nearly fatal outcome in the case of a 13-year-old boy one month after a simple femoral fracture.

Therapy consisting of the intravenous administration of fluids and corticosteroids was successful in lowering the serum calcium level until mobilization could be accomplished. Review of previously reported cases emphasizes the difficulty in recognition and diagnosis of this unusual condition. Surgeons treating patients with fractures should be aware of this complication and familiar with its appropriate therapy.

Author Affiliations
From the Department of Surgery, sections of orthopedic surgery and general surgery, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Mich.

Footnotes
Accepted for publication Aug 29, 1974.

Reprint requests to Room C7554 Outpatient Bldg, Department of Surgery, University Hospital, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (Dr. Thompson).

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