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Most fractures of the proximal humerus can be treated without surgery if the bone fragments are not shifted out of position (displaced). If the fragments are shifted out of position, surgery is often performed to allow earlier mobility.
What is the treatment for a fracture of the humerus?
In general, an elderly person with a proximal humeral fracture never regains full range of movement, whether treated conservatively or surgically. The aim is rehabilitation to a functional range of movement. Generally recovery takes at least one year but union is expected at 6-8 weeks.
How long does it take to recover from a humerus fracture?
Proximal Humeral Fracture Most fractures of the proximal humerus can be treated without surgery if the bone fragments are not shifted out of position (displaced). If the fragments are shifted out of position, surgery is often performed to allow earlier mobility.
Can a fracture of the proximal humerus heal without surgery?
If you suspect that you have a proximal humeral fracture, it is important to see your doctor or emergency room as soon as possible. Failure to do so may result in the significant (and possibly permanent) loss of arm function. Chief among the concerns is avascular necrosis (AVN) in which the localized loss of blood flow results in bone death.
When should I see a doctor for a proximal humeral fracture?
How long can you go with a broken humerus?
General Treatment The broken bone will take 3 to 4 months to heal. During this time, you will need to perform exercises to regain range of motion, strength, and return to normal activities. Even if surgery is performed, recovery of full function often takes as long as 18 months.
When does a humerus fracture need surgery?
Surgeons may recommend an operation to fix the broken humerus if it is broken into many pieces, if the bones are far apart, if the bone sticks out through the skin, or if the nerves or blood vessels are injured.
Can a humerus fracture heal without surgery?
A humerus shaft fracture may be treated with or without surgery, depending on the fracture pattern and associated injuries (i.e., nerve injury or open fracture). A temporary splint extending from the shoulder to the forearm and holding the elbow bent at 90 degrees can be used for initial management of the fracture.
Do you need to wear a brace at all times when you break your humerus?
In many cases, proximal and mid-shaft humerus fractures don't require surgery because the broken ends usually stay close together. This makes it easier for your humerus to heal on its own. However, you'll still need to wear a sling, brace, or splint to keep your arm from moving and stabilize your shoulder, if needed.
Can you move your arm with a fractured humerus?
A fractured humerus or upper arm is extremely painful, and the patient may not be able to move their arm. Sometimes, the radial nerve (one of the main nerves in the arm) may be injured. This happens about 15% of the time.
How painful is a humerus fracture?
A broken upper arm (fractured humerus) can be extremely painful, so much so that you may feel sick, dizzy or faint. Other symptoms of a broken upper arm are: You will be unable to use your arm. Your elbow or upper arm may be swollen.
Can you sleep lying down with a broken humerus?
Lay flat. Though it may be uncomfortable, try sleeping, as much as possible, in a seated/upright position. Lying flat may allow the bone to move and bend, even in a cast.
How do you rehab a broken humerus?
Active External rotation after six weeks With your elbow by your side, rotate your forearm outwards, keeping your elbow at about 90 degrees in flexion. Repeat all of these 3 exercises 10 times each, 4-5 times a day. Only go as far as you can naturally, without doing any trick movements to try and get further.
What part of the humerus is the most commonly fractured?
The most frequently fractured site of the humerus especially in elderly is the surgical neck which is an area of constriction distal to the tuberosities.
How tight should a humerus brace be?
The brace should be worn snuggly, but not so tight as to be uncomfortable. Do not remove the brace unless instructed to do so by the doctor or orthotist. If there are any problems or questions regarding the brace, please contact the orthotist.
How do you wash your hair with a broken arm?
0:312:16How to Shower With An Arm Cast: Life With A Cast (Broken Arm) Episode 7YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipShows you the best way I've discovered to wrap your arm up before you get in make sure you adjustMoreShows you the best way I've discovered to wrap your arm up before you get in make sure you adjust the water so that it's a warm temperature. And then you go.
What is a common complication of a proximal humerus fracture?
The complications of proximal humeral fractures may occur as a result of the injury, or secondary to operative treatment. Several have been previously discussed and they most commonly are related to avascular necrosis and/or tuberosity malunion.
The Anatomy of The Humerus
Mechanism of Injury
- Fractures of the humerus usually result from falls or direct trauma. In children the possibility of non-accidental injury should be borne in mind when taking the history and examining the child, especially in very young children. In the elderly, pathological fracture should be considered.
Classification of Humeral Fractures
- Classification of humeral fractures is difficult. One method is to classify them as: 1. Proximal humeral fractures 2. Humeral shaft fractures 3. Distal humeral fractures Fracture of the supracondylar (distal) humerus is one of the most common fractures encountered in children[2]. Fractures of the distal humerus in the adult account for approximately one third of all humeral fr…
Humeral Shaft Fractures
- Epidemiology
Humeral shaft fractures are a relatively common fracture. The incidence has an overall bimodal distribution due to a peak incidence for males between 20 to 30 years old and a second peak for older females aged between 60 and 70 years[9]. - Mechanism of injury
Usually direct trauma or torsion injury to an upper limb. Occasionally, a fall on to an outstretched abducted arm. Blunt injury/bending forces usually cause transverse fractures. Torsional force tends to result in spiral fracture.