The humerus is the bone in the upper arm that connects the arm to the shoulder. A vast majority of humerus fractures are considered simple and do not require that the patient suffer through any type of surgery. The fractured humerus treatment that is used most often is destabilization in a sling or a brace; the type of fracture and its severity can weigh heavily on whether surgery into whether needed, however.
There are three different types of humerus bone fractures. The first is called proximal fracture, and involves the upper part of the humerus. The second is known as a mid-shaft fracture, and, as the name insinuates, involves any fracture in the middle area of the humerus. The last kind is called a distal fracture, and although it is uncommon, usually means that the area that is close to the elbow has been fractured.
Most humerus fractures occur as the result of a blow to the upper arm, but this injury can also happen if an individual twists incorrectly or falls. In general, these injuries show symptoms like deformity of the arm, swelling, and tenderness near the fracture. Many individuals experience extreme pain before beginning fractured humerus treatment.
If the fracture is simple in nature, it will generally only require the use of a brace or a sling. In cases where the patient’s physician is unsure of whether the arm will be stable enough in only a sling, a special immobilizer may be used. Medications for fractured humerus treatment like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) will be used to reduce the swelling in the arm; analgesics like acetaminophen and hydrocodone are used to reduce pain.
Although it is not as common, surgery may sometimes be needed as fractured humerus treatment. This generally occurs when the fracture is complex, breaking the skin or affecting the nerves, tendons or muscles in the arm. A nail, screw, rod, or plate may be inserted to fix the fracture.
Depending on the type of fracture, rehabilitation exercises will vary and must be selecteded and prescribed by the doctor. In most cases, though rehabilitation is used to reduce the amount of pain that a patient experiences and to increase the range of motion of the patient’s shoulder and arm. Once fractured humerus treatment and rehabilitation are complete and the fracture is fully healed, most patients go on to have full use and range of motion of their arms.