Humerus Fractures Shoulder

What is a humerus fracture?

The humerus is the bone of the upper arm, and is the long bone that runs from the shoulder blade to the elbow. You can separate fractures of the humerus into three groups: 1) Around the shoulder, 2) the shaft, 3) Around the elbow

A humerus fracture around the shoulder and can be located at different levels with different fracture patterns: simple or multiple fragments.

Causes

The commonest cause of a humerus fracture is a fall with an outstretched hand, a car crash, a sports injury, or some other type of accident.

Symptoms of a Humerus Fracture

Pain
Swelling
Bruising
Inability to move the shoulder
A grinding sensation with shoulder movement
Deformity — “It does not look right.”
Bleeding (open fracture)
Loss of normal use of the arm if a nerve injury occurs

Different Imaging Techniques

Treatment for a Humeral Fracture Around the Shoulder?

Most fractures around the shoulder do not require surgery if the bone fragments are not significantly out of normal position. Therefore a sling or shoulder immobilizer helps to immobilize the shoulder for a few weeks. Once the pain subsides, exercises and physical therapy can begin. X-rays taken periodically help to confirm acceptable healing.

Surgery becomes necessay if the fragments are out of place and usually involves fixation with plates, screws or pins. However, severe fractures may require shoulder replacement. Hence, a combination of fracture and patient variables influence the decision between fixation and replacement.