Just another iHealthSpot WP02 site

Humerus Fracture - Broken Upper Arm

Back to Patient Education

Click the white PLAY button to start video.

 

Humerus fractures are common.  The humerus is the long bone in your upper arm.  A fracture is a broken bone.  The humerus is most frequently fractured as the result of a fall or motor vehicle crash.  Depending on the location and severity of the fracture, some bones may heal without surgery.  Fractures that are very unstable are realigned and held in place with surgical hardware.  Physical rehabilitation usually follows either form of treatment and is an important part of recovery to regain use of the shoulder and upper arm.

Read more about Humerus Fracture - Broken Upper Arm

Introduction

Humerus fractures are common.  The humerus is the long bone in your upper arm.  A fracture is a broken bone.  The humerus is most frequently fractured as the result of a fall or motor vehicle crash.  Depending on the location and severity of the fracture, some bones may heal without surgery.  Fractures that are very unstable are realigned and held in place with surgical hardware.  Physical rehabilitation usually follows either form of treatment and is an important part of recovery to regain use of the shoulder and upper arm.
Back to top

Anatomy

The humerus is the long bone that connects your shoulder to your elbow.  The head of the humerus (proximal humerus) is attached to the shoulder by the rotator cuff muscles.  The long part of the bone is called the shaft.  The distal humerus is the end of the bone that connects with the forearm to form the elbow.
Back to top

Causes

Trauma 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.

There are different types of humerus fractures.  They are named for the area of the bone that is broken.  Proximal humerus fractures occur near the shoulder.  Mid-shaft fractures are located in the middle of the bone.  Distal humerus fractures are located near the elbow joint and are more common in children than in adults.
Back to top

Symptoms

Humerus fractures cause severe pain and swelling.  It may be very difficult for you to move your upper arm.  If the nerves are affected, you may experience unusual sensations in the hand and weakness in your hand and wrist.

Back to top

Diagnosis

Your doctor can diagnose a fractured humerus by examining your arm and taking X-rays.  In rare cases, more sophisticated imagery, such as a computed tomography scan is used to provide a more detailed view.
Back to top

Treatment

If the fractured bones are still in their proper position, a sling can be used to support and keep the arm from moving while it heals.  Most mid-shaft humerus fractures can heal with  immobilization and usually do not require surgery.  Casting is not commonly used. 

Your doctor will determine when you can begin physical therapy.  Your therapists will help you move your shoulder joint at first with passive range of motion exercises.  These exercises help improve circulation and reduce stiffness.  You will proceed to more advanced exercises to increase strength and motion.
Back to top

Surgery

If the fractured bones have moved out of position, surgery is recommended.  Surgery called an Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) is used to realign the bones and secure them in position with surgical hardware, such as plates, pins, screws, and wires.  Surgery is most frequently used for proximal and distal humerus fractures.

For severe proximal humerus fractures, a shoulder replacement surgery is used to remove the damaged bone and insert an artificial implant.  Severe proximal humerus fractures may also require reattachment of the shoulder muscles (rotator cuff muscles).  Rehabilitation therapy, as described above, begins as soon as possible.
Back to top

Recovery

The recovery process is different for everyone, depending on the severity of the injury and the treatment you received.  Most fractures heal in about 4 to 6 weeks, but severe injuries may take longer to heal.  Your doctor will let you know what to expect.
Back to top

Copyright ©  - iHealthSpot Interactive - www.iHealthSpot.com

This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.

Footer

Patient Portal/Bill Pay

Log in to access your medical records and test results, request appointments, or send a private message to your doctor. If you need access, let us know!

Sign Up/Login

Patient Education

We treat all kinds of orthopedic conditions. Find your condition or treatment in our patient education library to learn more!

Ortho Library OrthoInfo

American Academy of Orthopaedic SurgeonsNational Osteoporosis FoundationAmerican Association of Hip and Knee SurgeonsArthritis FoundationNorth American Spine SocietySpine Universe

Copyright © Orthopaedic Associates. All rights reserved.

24723 Detroit Road , Westlake, Ohio 44145

Orthopedic Specialists provide expert treatment for acute or chronic pain of the back, neck, spine, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, foot and ankle.  We offer solutions for arthritis, carpal tunnel, degenerative joint disease, scoliosis, fracture or sprain due to sports related injury, osteoarthritis, nerve pain, tendonitis, rotator cuff tear, whiplash and other bone and joint conditions.  Our surgeons employ the latest techniques in hip joint replacement, knee joint replacement, and arthroscopy. Residents in the Greater Cleveland area enjoy convenient onsite x-ray, splinting and bracing, physicl therapy, hand therapy, open scan MRI, pain management, and rehab services including sport specific training, muscle re-education, progressive strengthening and more.