Understanding the Humerus Fractures

The humerus is one of the long bones present in our body and is located in the upper arm. This bone meets the radius & ulna (bones in the lower arm) and extends from the shoulder. During trauma, this bone (humerus) can break from anywhere resulting in a humerus fracture.

In general, humerus fracture can be classified as:

• Proximal
• Mid-shaft
• Distal

Proximal Humerus Fracture

This is the condition where the bone break occurs near the shoulder joint and hence is known as proximal humerus fracture.

Mid-shaft Humerus Fracture

This is the case where humerus break from the middle.

Distal Humerus Fracture

A distal humerus fracture is classified as the one where the bone in the upper arm gets broken near the elbow joint.

What Causes Humerus Fractures

Humerus fractures can occur due to traumatic injuries like a high-energy car collision, falling onto an outstretched hand, and contact sports injuries as well. The position of fall or the extent of impact during trauma plays a key role in deciding which type of humerus fracture will occur. In severe cases, surgery may be required for fracture fixation and it may involve the use of orthopedic devices including the Titanium Elastic Nailing System, Humerus Interlocking Nailing System, or Interlocking Intramedullary Nail.

Humerus fractures could also occur due to low-impact trauma and this cause of the fracture is common in elderly people. After 55 to 60 years of age, people become more prone to osteoporosis and that results in the weakening of bones. Thus, the chances of fracture become high even with a slight fall.

Besides all this, certain pathologic conditions also increase the chances of humerus fractures including diabetes, bone cancer, tumors, and bone infections.

Diagnosis of Humerus Fractures

After the physical examination, the orthopedist will suggest radiological examinations such as X-rays. Closely examining different angles of the injured area in X-ray, the orthopedist will come to know the exact location of the injury and he may be able to decide which treatment procedure will be the best for fracture fixation. In certain cases, a CT scan may also be indicated.

Treatment of Humerus Fractures

The orthopedists always try to fix the fracture with a non-operative treatment procedure. This method is known to be the most useful in the case of mild and non-displaced fractures. The doctor applies a splint or a cast to immobilize fractured bones in their correct anatomy while ensuring proper healing. The duration of the cast application will completely depend upon the fracture and progress shown.

When the fracture is open or severe, casting or the application of a splint may not be helpful. Thus, the only option left with the orthopedist is surgery. The surgical procedure is often carried out with the use of trauma implants and their choice will depend upon the location and seriousness of the fracture. Some of the most commonly used Orthopedic Trauma Implants are Bone Plates & Screws, IM Nail, Elastic Nail, and PFNA Nail.

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