# Immobility-induced hypercalcemia following complex lower limb trauma: A case report

## TL;DR

A young man with severe lower limb trauma developed dangerous high calcium levels due to prolonged immobility, highlighting the need for calcium monitoring in similar trauma patients.

## Contribution

This case report adds to the understanding of immobility-induced hypercalcemia in trauma patients and emphasizes the importance of calcium monitoring.

## Key findings

- A 22-year-old male with complex trauma developed hypercalcemia two months post-injury.
- Hypercalcemia was attributed to prolonged immobilization after excluding malignancy and primary hyperparathyroidism.
- Intravenous fluids successfully managed the hypercalcemia.

## Abstract

Immobilization-induced hypercalcemia is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication in patients with prolonged immobility, particularly in those with severe trauma. We describe a 22-year-old male polytrauma patient with a Gustilo-Anderson grade 3b open tibial-fibular fracture and traumatic brain injury. During prolonged recovery complicated by multiple surgical interventions, he developed moderate hypercalcemia two months post-injury. Common causes such as malignancy and primary hyperparathyroidism were excluded. Hypercalcemia was attributed to prolonged immobilization and successfully managed with intravenous fluids.

This case highlights the need for routine calcium monitoring in trauma patients with prolonged immobilization. Early recognition and management of hypercalcemia are critical to prevent serious complications.