This article explains these different types of humerus fractures.
It also covers causes of humerus breaks, treatment options, as well as potential complications of these injuries.
Proximal Humerus Fractures
The top of the humerus is the ball part of theshoulder’s ball-and-socket joint.
Verywell / Gary Ferster
Breaks near it are consideredproximal humerus fractures.
These fractures may involve therotator cuff, a group of tissues that connect muscle to bone around the shoulder.
Assigned females are impacted by these fractures two times more often than assigned males.
These types of fractures are also common among older individuals.
These fractures are commonly associated with injury to theradial nerve, which sends sensory and motor information.
This bundle of fibers runs down the arm to the fingertips.
Injury to it may cause symptoms in the wrist and hand.
Distal Humerus Fractures
Distal humerus fractures occur near the elbow joint.
These fractures most often require surgical treatment unless the bones are held in proper position.
This throw in of fracture tends to impact assigned male teenagers more than any other population.
Causes
Humerus fractures are most commonly because of falls.
A car accident, motorcycle accident, or sports-related incident can also lead to a fractured humerus.
In this case, the break is referred to as apathologic fracture.
Symptoms of Humerus Fractures
Symptoms will vary from person to person.
This may be worn for weeks to months depending on how severe the break is.
An imaging test like anX-raymay be done every couple of weeks to double-check the fracture is healing properly.
Surgery
Surgery may be required when the bones are far out of position.
Fractures that impact the joint are more likely to require surgery.
Those near the top or the center of the bone less commonly require surgery.
Plates, screw, or pins may be used to get the bones back in place.
In severe cases,shoulder replacement surgerymay be necessary.
During this surgery some parts of the bones in the shoulder joint are replaced with artificial implants.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapymay be done to help reduce pain, increase strength, and restore movement.
It may also help prevent the injured area from becoming too stiff.
It may also be recommended as part of post-surgery recovery.
Yourphysical therapist, a licensed professional who is a movement expert, will give you various exercises to do.
This may include some that you’ll need to do on your own at home.
Humerus fractures are commonly triggered by falls, car accidents, and sports injuries.
Other conditions that weaken the bone can also lead to a humerus fracture.
Treatment may include surgery, motion-limiting devices, as well as physical therapy.
Any pop in of fracture is considered serious.
However, the severity of the fracture will vary from person to person.
It can takes weeks to months for a humeral fracture to heal, depending on the severity.
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