Humerus bone fracture

Understanding a Humerus Fracture When you have a humerus fracture, it means that your upper arm bone is broken. This type of fracture most often occurs along the middle of the bone or at the end of the bone near the shoulder. It happens most often in elderly adults. Less often, it occurs at the end of the bone near the elbow. This mainly happens in kids or young adults. The bone may be cracked, or it may be broken into 2 or more pieces. The pieces of bone may be lined up or they may have moved out of place. Sometimes, the bone may break through the skin. Nearby nerves, tissues, and joints also may be damaged. Depending on the severity of the fracture, healing may take several months or longer. What causes a humerus fracture? Treatment depends on where the bone is broken and how serious the break is. If needed, the bone is put back into place. This may be done with or without surgery. If surgery is needed, the surgeon may use devices, such as pins, plates, or screws to hold the bone together. You will then wear a sling, splint, brace, or cast to keep the bone in place and protect it from injury during healing. Other treatments may be also used to help reduce symptoms or regain function. These include: • Cold packs. Putting an ice pack on the injured area may help reduce swelling and pain. • Pain medicines. Taking prescription or over-the-counter pain medicines may help reduce pain and swelling. • Exercises. Doing certain exercises at home or with a physical therapist can he...

A proximal humerus fracture occurs when the ball, of the ball-and-socket shoulder joint, is broken. The fracture is actually at the top of the arm bone (the humerus). Most proximal humerus fractures are non-displaced (not out of position), but about 15-20 percent of these fractures are displaced, and these may require more invasive treatment. The most significant problem with proximal humerus fractures is that treatment is very limiting, and the outcomes are often fair or poor. Many patients who sustain this injury do not regain full strength or mobility of the shoulder, even with proper treatment. What Is a Displaced Proximal Humerus Fracture? When the bone is not in proper alignment, the fracture is called displaced. In proximal humerus fractures, the severity is often described by how many of the major parts of the proximal humerus fracture are displaced. There are four "parts" of the proximal humerus, so a displaced fracture can either be 2-part, 3-part, or 4-part (a non-displaced fracture is, by definition, 1-part). In general, the more displaced parts, the worse the prognosis. For a part to be considered displaced, it either has to be separated from its normal position by more than a centimeter or rotated more than 45 degrees. Treatment About 80 percent of proximal humerus fractures are non-displaced (not out of position), and these can almost always be treated in a sling. Typical treatment is to rest the shoulder in the sling for two to three weeks, and then begin s...

• The humerus is the arm bone between your shoulder and your elbow. • There are two types of humerus fractures based on the location of the break(s). • Trauma from a fall or accident are often the cause of this type of fracture. • Treatment varies depending on the type and severity of the break but may include the use of a sling, brace, splint or cast and/or surgery. What is a humerus fracture? The humerus — also known as the upper arm bone — is a long bone that runs from the shoulder and scapula (shoulder blade) to the elbow. Fractures of the humerus are classified in one of two ways: proximal humerus fracture or humerus shaft fracture. A proximal humerus fracture usually occurs close to the shoulder joint and can be located at different levels with different fracture patterns: simple or What causes a humerus fracture? A broken arm is a common injury and is usually a consequence of a fall with an outstretched hand, a car crash or some other type of accident. What are the symptoms of a humerus fracture? Symptoms vary depending on the specific type of fracture but may include: • Pain • Swelling and bruising • Inability to move the shoulder • A grinding sensation when the shoulder is moved • Deformity —“It does not look right.” • Occasionally bleeding (open fracture) • Loss of normal use of the arm if a nerve injury occurs What is the treatment for a humerus fracture? Proximal Humeral Fracture Most fractures of the proximal humerus can be treated without surgery if the bone ...

Your humerus is the only bone in your upper arm. It can be found between your elbow and your shoulder. There are some important terms to know with regard to the anatomy of your humerus: • Proximal: This is the upper part of your humerus closest to your shoulder. • Body or shaft: This is the long, middle portion of your humerus. • Distal: This is the lower area of your humerus that’s closest to your elbow. In addition to the areas mentioned above, the humerus is made up of other parts, too. Let’s explore some of these. • Head: This rounded area of the proximal humerus interacts with your shoulder blade ( • Tubercles: These bony areas of the proximal humerus serve as attachment points for the muscles of your shoulder joint. You have two tubercles — the greater and lesser tubercle. • Surgical neck: This part is located at the base of the proximal humerus and is a • Epicondyles: These are bony protrusions at the distal (lower end) of your humerus. You have two — the medial and lateral epicondyle. They serve as attachment points for the muscles of your lower arm, wrist, and hand. • Trochlea: This part of your distal humerus interacts with the ulna bone in your lower arm. • Capitulum: The capitulum is the part of the humerus that interacts with the radius bone of your lower arm. • Fossae: You have three fossae, which are depressions that help to accommodate the bones of your lower arm when your elbow joint is moved. Fractures are one of the most common injuries to the humerus. •...

There are three types of humerus fracture, depending on the location of the break: • Proximal. A proximal humerus fracture is a break in the upper part of your humerus near your shoulder. • Mid-shaft. A mid-shaft humerus fracture is a break in the middle of your humerus. • Distal. Distal humerus fractures occur near your elbow. This type is usually part of a more complex elbow injury and sometimes involves loose bone fragments. Any hard blow or injury to your arm can result in a humerus fracture, but some are more likely to cause certain types. For example, breaking your fall with an outstretched arm can often cause mid-shaft and proximal humerus fractures. A high-impact collision, such as a car accident or football tackle, is more likely to cause a distal humerus fracture. Humerus fractures can also be Things that can cause pathologic humerus fractures include: • • • bone cysts or • Treating a humerus fracture depends on several factors, including the type of fracture and whether there are any loose bone fragments. To determine the best treatment, your doctor will start by taking an 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. Occasionally, surgery is required with either plates, screws, rods, or someti...

The shoulder is made up of three bones: • The scapula (shoulder blade) • The clavicle (collar bone) • The humerus (arm bone) These bones are joined together by soft tissues (ligaments, tendons, muscles, and joint capsule) to form a platform for the arm to work. The shoulder is made up of three joints: • The glenohumeral joint • The acromioclavicular joint • The sternoclavicular joint This illustration highlights the bones and other major components of the shoulder. The shoulder also has one articulation (place where it joins with another structure in the body), which is the relationship between the scapula (shoulder blade) and the chest wall. The main joint of the shoulder is the glenohumeral joint. This joint is made up of a ball (the humeral head) on a golf-tee-shaped joint (the glenoid of the scapula). The bones of the shoulder are covered by several layers of soft tissues: • The top layer is the deltoid muscle, a muscle just beneath the skin, which gives the shoulder a rounded appearance. The deltoid muscle helps to bring the arm overhead. • Directly beneath the deltoid muscle is sub-deltoid bursa, a fluid-filled sac, similar to a water balloon. • The next layer deep (below the subdeltoid bursa) is the rotator cuff, which is a set of four tendons that help assist with shoulder motion. Description There are many types of shoulder injuries: • Fractures are broken bones. Fractures commonly involve the • Dislocations occur when the bones on opposite sides of a joint do not...

Arm bones Your arm is made up of three bones: the upper arm bone (humerus) and two forearm bones (the ulna and the radius). The term "broken arm" may refer to a fracture in any of these bones. A broken arm involves one or more of the three bones in your arm — the ulna, radius and humerus. One of the most common causes of a broken arm is falling onto an outstretched hand. If you think you or your child has broken an arm, seek prompt medical attention. It's important to treat a fracture as soon as possible for proper healing. Treatment depends on the site and severity of the injury. A simple break might be treated with a sling, ice and rest. However, the bone may require realignment (reduction) in the emergency room. A more complicated break might require surgery to realign the broken bone and to implant wires, plates, nails or screws to keep the bone in place during healing. Symptoms A snap or cracking sound might be your first indication you've broken an arm. Signs and symptoms include: • Severe pain, which might increase with movement • Swelling • Bruising • Deformity, such as a bent arm or wrist • Inability to turn your arm from palm up to palm down or vice versa When to see a doctor If you have enough pain in your arm that you can't use it normally, see a doctor right away. The same applies to your child. Delays in diagnosis and treatment of a broken arm, especially for children, who heal faster than adults do, can lead to poor healing. Causes Common causes for a broken...

Your humerus is the only bone in your upper arm. Because it’s so strong, it usually takes the strong force of a trauma like a serious fall or a car accident to break it. Depending on what type of fracture you have (and any other injuries you experienced), you’ll probably need a few months to recover from a fractured humerus. Overview Most humerus fractures happen where the humerus meets the shoulder. What are humerus fractures? A humerus fracture is the medical name for breaking the bone in your upper arm (your humerus). Humerus fractures are usually caused by traumas like car accidents or falls. If you break your humerus, you might need surgery to repair your bone. Some people can recover without surgery and only need a splint, cast or sling. You’ll need physical therapy to regain your ability to move your arm. Types of fractures Your healthcare provider will assign your fracture a type or classification depending on how your humerus is broken. Some fractures are classified by the shape or pattern of the break line: • • • • • • Impacted fracture. • • Hairline fracture. Some types of fractures are classified by how they happen: • • Supracondylar humerus fractures If you break your humerus right above your elbow, you might have what’s called a supracondylar fracture. This is a type of Open vs. closed fractures Your healthcare provider will classify your fracture as either open or closed. If you have an open fracture your bone breaks through your skin. Open fractures usually...

A humerus fracture, which is a complete or partial breakage of the upper arm bone, is most commonly caused by trauma, particularly a fall, and accounts for 3percent of all fractures. The treatment that is most suited for your humerus fracture depends on a number of factors including age, current health, the severity of the fracture, and history with various medications and treatments. Diagnosis A humerus fracture can reduce your ability to easily perform daily tasks. If you have any reason to think that you may have a fracture in your humerus, it is important to seek medical attention. To best diagnose your injury, your doctor will ask a series of questions about your health history and how the injury occurred. One or more of these tests will help locate the exact location of the fracture: • X-ray (radiograph)—This is the first test done to determine where the fracture is located and the extent of the injury. It is done using an X-ray beam that is sent through the shoulder and upper arm area. Bone absorbs the radiation, making it appear on the transposed image. This is usually a sufficient test to see the location and severity of the fracture. • Computed tomography scan (CT or CAT scan)—A CAT scan is a combination of X-ray and computer technologies and may be used if the X-ray is not clear. • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—If further imaging is needed, an evaluation of surrounding soft tissue structures are needed or the patient cannot be exposed to more radiation,...

The upper arm bone (the humerus) is the bone that runs between the The humerus is a strong bone, analogous to the femur in the leg (which is the strongest bone in the body). It does not absorb the intensity of stress that the forearm bones do when you fall and catch yourself with your hands, since the humerus is farther up the chain of bones. Nonetheless, falling down is responsible for the bulk of humerus fractures. People with osteoporosis, whose bones have been made thin and porous through mineral loss, are especially vulnerable to humerus fractures. Of all humerus fractures, only ten percent cause substantial bone displacement. This means that most humerus fractures can be treated non-surgically by immobilizing and stabilizing them. Of the ones that do need surgery, many are closer to the elbow (toward the humerus’ distal end). Anatomy of the upper arm The bone of the upper arm connects to the shoulder blade at its proximal end and with the radius and ulna at its distal end. It consists of the following: • The humerus (the upper arm bone; it is a very strong bone) • The radius (the forearm bone on the inside of your arm) • The ulna (the forearm bone on the outside of your arm) • The scapula (the shoulder blade, a triangular bone protected by a lot of muscle) Humerus fractures can be divided into three main types: • Proximal humerus fracture—If your fracture is near the shoulder joint (where the humerus connects with the scapula), then you have a proximal humerus fr...