Users' questions

What is the most common humerus fracture?

What is the most common humerus fracture?

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.

What are the fractures of humerus?

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 comminuted.

How do you treat a midshaft humerus fracture?

Treatments. Most mid-shaft humerus fractures are minimally displaced and can be treated with conservative approaches such as the use of a sling to immobilize your arm for about a week and afterward a fracture brace is fitted to your arm.

What is a midshaft humerus fracture?

A mid-shaft humerus fracture is a type of broken arm. The humerus is the bone in your upper arm, between your shoulder and elbow. It’s especially strong and is capped with the ball of the ball-and-socket shoulder joint. It also includes the hinge of the elbow joint on the bottom.

How serious is a humerus fracture?

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. It is more common with fractures that happen closer to the base of the bone.

Can a humerus fracture heal on its own?

Most humerus fractures eventually heal without causing any long-term health problems. For the smoothest recovery process, see your doctor as soon as you notice symptoms of a fracture.

How painful is a humerus fracture?

Humerus fractures are a very painful injury, and patients may need to take pain relief medications regularly as prescribed by the doctor. The fractured portion may hurt intensely, swell, and feel stiff. Stiffness may continue well after the fracture has healed.

How long does it take for a midshaft humerus fracture to heal?

Approximately 90% of well-selected humeral shaft fractures will heal without surgery. It takes approximately 12 weeks for bony healing in most cases.

How long does a humerus shaft fracture take to heal?

Humeral shaft fractures take at least 4 months to heal and have a nonunion rate of 1-12%. Higher rates of nonunion are associated with transverse fractures, inadequate shoulder mobilization, and soft tissue interposition.

What is green stick fracture?

A greenstick fracture occurs when a bone bends and cracks, instead of breaking completely into separate pieces. The fracture looks similar to what happens when you try to break a small, “green” branch on a tree. Most greenstick fractures occur in children younger than 10 years of age.