Total recovery time can take 6 months and most patients have very good range of motion and strength after the bone heals. The most common long term complications are joint stiffness, heterotopic bone formation and painful retained hardware or pain over the plates.
Does a distal humerus fracture require surgery?
General Treatment However, most distal humerus fractures need surgery. The surgery is usually done by making a cut at the back of the elbow and finding the bone. The broken bones are then put back in the right place and are fixed with metal plates and screws. The wound is closed with sutures or staples.
What is the most common fracture of the humerus?
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 are humerus fractures treated?
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 do you sleep with a broken distal humerus?
You should sleep upright, either in an arm chair, or sitting up in bed propped up on plenty of pillows. Your upper arm should be allowed to hang and not be rested on pillows which may force your shoulder upwards. Hygiene.
How painful is a distal humerus fracture?
A distal humerus fracture is a break in the lower end of the upper arm bone (humerus), one of the three bones that come together to form the elbow joint. A fracture in this area can be very painful and make elbow motion difficult or impossible.
Can you move your arm with a distal humerus fracture?
A distal humerus fracture may be very painful and can prevent you from moving your elbow. Other signs and symptoms of a fracture may include: Swelling. Bruising.
How long do you have to wear a sling with a broken humerus?
Your doctor will determine this. Between 3 to 6 weeks you may trial not wearing the sling- if you are comfortable then you may keep the sling off. If you are getting a lot of pain then you should keep wearing the sling.
Can a humerus fracture heal without surgery?
Most proximal humerus fractures can be treated without surgery. 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.
Can I drive with a broken humerus?
There is no law that explicitly prohibits you from driving a car with a broken arm. However, if you feel that you’re finding it difficult to drive safely with your cast on, then you should refrain from getting behind the wheel.
How painful is a broken humerus?
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. Your elbow or upper arm may bruise. If it is a very severe break, your arm may be a different shape.
What is the healing time for a broken humerus bone?
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. Adequate treatment of those at risk of osteoporosis.
What is a broken humerus?
A humerus fracture is an injury to the bone of the upper arm that connects the shoulder to the elbow. Humerus fractures are generally divided into three types of injuries based on the location of the fracture. 1 The top of the arm bone is called the proximal humerus, and the bottom of the bone is called the distal humerus.
