What complication is most common with a mid-shaft humerus fracture?
The two complications often seen are injuries to the radial nerve and nonunion of the fracture.
What is a midshaft humerus fracture?
A fracture that occurs at the midshaft of the humerus usually occurs due to a direct blow to the upper arm. Most frequently, fractures are a result of trauma, such as a fall, motor vehicle accident, or motorcycle accident.
How do you manage a midshaft humeral fracture?
Most humeral shaft fractures do not require surgery. If you don’t require surgery you will be fitted with a humeral brace (a moulded plastic brace) and a sling. This helps to stabilise your broken bone and allows you to move your elbow gently to avoid that getting stiff while your fracture heals.
How long does a midshaft humerus fracture take to heal?
The healing of a mid-shaft humerus fracture by conservative methods can take up to twelve weeks. Even after this period, the complete joint functionality and mobility can only be recovered over time with proper exercises and physical therapy.
Can you move your arm with a broken humerus?
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.
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.
How long does it take to recover from humerus surgery?
Recovery from a fixation of the proximal humerus procedure will take some time. You will spend about four to six weeks protecting your arm in a sling. As your recovery progresses, you will also work on physical therapy exercises to build strength and range of motion in your arm.
Can you fully recover from a humerus fracture?
Humerus Shaft Fracture
The doctor will tell you how long to wear the cast or splint and will remove it at the right time. It may take several weeks to several months for the broken arm to heal completely. Rehabilitation involves gradually increasing activities to restore muscle strength, joint motion and flexibility.
Why is a fractured humerus so painful?
While most proximal humerus fractures heal, some may not heal or may heal in a position that causes discomfort or limits motion. Some people may develop arthritis and this can result in increasing pain and stiffness. These complications can occur with or without surgery.
What should you not do with a broken humerus?
Do not try to raise your arm A fractured Humerus can be very mobile. You may feel or hear the bone moving; this is not unusual but by allowing your arm to relax from the shoulder and hang loose may reduce or even prevent this from happening.
How long should you wear a sling with a broken humerus?
For a fractured proximal humerus, a sling may be needed for up to two weeks. For a fractured scapula, doctors usually recommend wearing a sling until you can move the shoulder without significant pain—anywhere from two to four weeks.
Can I take my sling off to sleep?
So, it’s okay to take it off when you are sitting at home with the arm at your side. You can take the arm out of the sling and place it on a pillow, mimicking the position that it would be in with the sling. When you are up moving around, when you are sleeping, and especially when driving the sling MUST be on.
How do you dress with a broken humerus?
Some Helpful Hints for Humerus Fractures
- Wear a shirt one size bigger and wear it over the sling.
- Wear your pants one size bigger and leave them buttoned/zippered so you can pull them on each time or wear a pair of drawstring pants (sweat pant style).
Can I take my arm out of sling?
You should not reach behind your back with the operative arm. You may remove your arm from the sling to bend and straighten your elbow and to move your fingers several times a day. You may remove the sling to bathe, dress, and perform elbow range of motion several times a day.
When do you stop wearing a sling?
It is very important to wear your sling as directed by your doctor after surgery. The sling is typically used for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. You should not do any reaching, lifting, pushing, or pulling with your shoulder during the first six weeks after surgery.
Should you sleep with a sling on?
This is often much more comfortable. You may place a pillow between your body and your arm and also behind your elbow in order to move your arm away from your body slightly. This often helps with the pain. You should wear your sling when you sleep.
Do I have to wear my arm sling to bed?
Sleeping. For some injuries your sling should be kept on while you are in bed at night, our Virtual Fracture Clinic team will advise you. You may find it more comfortable to sleep on your back initially with a pillow under your injured arm for support.
When can I stop wearing my sling?
The sling is typically used for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. You should not do any reaching, lifting, pushing, or pulling with your shoulder during the first six weeks after surgery. You should not reach behind your back with the operative arm.
How long does it take for a broken humerus to stop hurting?
How long will it take to heal? Most fractures heal without any problems in six to twelve weeks. However, it may take six to twelve months for your symptoms to settle completely – these can include pain or discomfort, stiffness, decreased strength, swelling and loss of muscle bulk.