What is left humeral fracture?
What is left humeral fracture?
A humerus fracture is a break of the humerus bone in the upper arm. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and bruising. There may be a decreased ability to move the arm and the person may present holding their elbow. Complications may include injury to an artery or nerve, and compartment syndrome.
How long does a humerus fracture take to heal?
The humerus is the long bone in your upper arm. When broken, it needs specialized care so that you can cope with the problems it brings. It will take a minimum of 12 weeks to heal. Patients may be on pain relief medications for a longer duration.
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.
How does a humerus fracture happen?
Accident or severe injury is the main cause of humerus fractures. Most injuries result from a direct impact to the body, such as during a fall or motor vehicle crash. Older adults may experience humerus fractures from relatively minor falls due to less bone strength and bone degradation.
How common is a fractured humerus?
Proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) account for 5 to 6 percent of all adult fractures and often occur in elderly individuals who experience low-energy falls.
How to fix a humerus fracture?
Most humerus fractures heal without surgery. The majority of patients can be treated with a sling or brace, and with time the fracture will heal. Casting is not possible with most types of humerus fractures. Most people with a humerus fracture will recover normal or near normal function and mobility of their arm.
What is treatment for humerus fracture?
Treatment of Humeral Shaft Fractures. There are several treatment options for these fractures, but the most common are non-surgical treatments. Fortunately, gravity works wonders to align the humerus, and simply allowing the arm to hang by the side is often the best treatment for a humerus fracture.
Can humerus fracture be treated non-surgically?
Eighty percent of humerus injuries are non-displaced or minimally displaced; therefore, they can be treated non-surgically . These patients can be treated with a sling or brace for immobilization, and with time, the fracture will heal. In severe cases, when the bone fragments are far out of position, surgery may be required.
What is the treatment for a broken humerus?
The vast majority of humerus fractures are treated without surgery. The arm can heal after it is immobilized in a cast, a special splint or a functional brace. Surgery may be needed for a more severe fracture, or any open fracture with exposed bone. The humerus will be repaired with plates and screws, or a metal rod.
