[Complication management of shaft fractures of the upper extremities : From revision surgery to rehabilitation].

The management of shaft fractures of the upper extremities is an integral part of trauma surgery in the clinical routine. While sport-associated injuries predominate in young adults, the incidence of osteoporotic fractures greatly increases in older patients. Despite established treatment strategies, complications such as wound healing disorders, infections, neurovascular injuries, malalignment, pseudarthrosis and implant failure are frequent. An effective complication management requires detailed knowledge of the morphological features of fractures, individual risk factors and differentiated revision strategies. With the presentation of two clinical cases, we aim to highlight the necessity of individualized treatment concepts. Due to the increasing number of war casualties transferred for secondary treatment to Central Europe, the likelihood of encountering unfamiliar injury patterns, such as blast or gunshot wounds, is rising. This development presents new challenges in daily clinical practice. Physiotherapeutic and occupational therapy support play a central role in achieving favorable functional outcomes following revision surgery for diaphyseal fractures of the upper extremities. In geriatric care, orthogeriatric concepts have significantly decreased mortality and improved mobilization as well as self-sufficiency among older patients. Managing patient expectations and providing close supervision throughout the rehabilitation process are decisive factors for successful recovery.