HUMERAL MID-SHAFT FRACTURE
The humerus is the bone that connects the shoulder to the elbow. A break of the mid-shaft does not typically involve the shoulder or elbow. Symptoms may include swelling, bruising, pain or tenderness to the touch, and/or a deformity (“My arm doesn’t look right”). The goal of treatment is to realign the bone into correct position for proper healing. Depending on the break alignment, surgery may or may not be recommended.
The humerus is the bone that connects the shoulder to the elbow. A break of the mid-shaft does not typically involve the shoulder or elbow. The fracture remains localized in the middle portion of the bone. Trauma like falling on an outstretched hand or experiencing a direct blow to your upper arm can cause your humerus to fracture.
Symptoms may include swelling, bruising, pain or tenderness to the touch, and/or a deformity (“My arm doesn’t look right”). The goal of treatment is to realign the bone into correct position for proper healing. Depending on the break alignment, surgery may or may not be recommended. If the fracture can be treated non-surgically, it is common to receive splint or cast that keeps your elbow bent at 90 degrees. This will immobilize your arm to allow the bone to heal in proper alignment. If you have a more complex fracture, your doctor may recommend surgery. The most common procedure is an open reduction and internal fixation. The surgeon will first manipulate the fracture fragments back into alignment and then apply plates, screws or a nail to hold the bone together.