Humeral Shaft Fractures
Causes, Symptoms, Types, Treatment Options, and Rehabilitation
Humeral shaft fractures are breaks in the long, central part of the upper arm bone (humerus). These fractures can occur due to trauma or stress and often require specialised treatment for proper healing and restoration of function.
Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell, an esteemed orthopaedic surgeon in Adelaide, has extensive experience managing and treating humeral shaft fractures. His expertise ensures that patients receive the highest standard of care tailored to their specific needs.
Types of Humeral Shaft Fractures
Humeral shaft fractures typically occur due to significant trauma or force. Younger patients often sustain them from sports injuries, motor vehicle collisions, or falls from height, while older patients may fracture the bone from a simple fall due to osteoporosis. Direct blows to the arm and twisting injuries can also cause this type of fracture.
Some of the types of Humeral Shaft Fracture are as follows:
Transverse Fractures: A horizontal break across the bone.
Oblique Fractures: An angled break, often caused by a twisting force.
Spiral Fractures: A fracture that spirals around the bone, typically resulting from a rotational force.
Comminuted Fractures: The bone is broken into multiple pieces.
Segmental Fractures: The bone is broken in two places, creating a floating segment.
If you suspect a humeral shaft fracture, seek immediate medical attention. Contact Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell, a top-rated orthopaedic surgeon in Adelaide, for expert diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms of Humeral Shaft Fracture
Patients usually experience immediate pain, swelling, and inability to move the arm normally after a humeral shaft fracture. The arm may appear deformed or shortened, and bruising can spread quickly down the arm. In some cases, nerve injury (especially to the radial nerve) may cause numbness, tingling, or wrist drop.
Identifying a humeral shaft fracture involves recognising these symptoms and seeking a prompt medical evaluation.
Common signs and symptoms of a humeral shaft fracture include:
- Pain: Severe pain in the upper arm that worsens with movement or pressure and persists even at rest.
- Swelling and Bruising: Swelling around the fracture site, often accompanied by bruising and skin discolouration.
- Deformity: Visible deformity or abnormal upper arm shape may appear bent or misaligned; in severe cases, the bone may protrude through the skin (open fracture).
- Immobility: Difficulty or inability to move the arm, with a reduced range of motion in the shoulder and elbow joints and weakness in the arm.
- Numbness or Tingling: Sensation changes such as numbness or tingling in the arm, hand, or fingers, indicating possible nerve involvement, along with weakness in the hand or fingers.
- Crepitus: A grinding or grating sensation felt when moving the arm, often accompanied by audible crackling or popping sounds, indicating bone fragments rubbing against each other.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis begins with a clinical examination to assess swelling, deformity, and nerve function. X-rays are the standard imaging method to determine the fracture location and pattern. In more complex cases, CT scans may be used for a detailed view of the bone and to help plan surgical treatment.
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Physical exam to assess movement, sensation, and circulation
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X-rays to confirm fracture location and severity
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CT scans if more detail is required for surgical planning
Schedule your consultation with Dr Oscar today to explore comprehensive non-surgical and surgical treatment options tailored to your needs
Treatment options for Humeral Shaft Fractures
Treatment for humeral shaft fractures can be non-surgical or surgical, based on the severity and type of fracture:
Non-surgical treatments
Rest and Immobilisation:
- Method: Use a cast, splint, or brace to immobilise the arm and allow the bone to heal.
- Indications: Typically recommended for stable fractures without significant displacement.
Immobilisation ensures proper alignment and reduces movement to facilitate healing. A specialised brace of splint will typically be required to be worn at all times for minimum 3 months to allow for sufficient healing prior to movement.
Physical Therapy:
- Timing: Initiated after the initial healing phase to restore movement, strength, and function.
- Exercises: Focus on improving range of motion, preventing stiffness, and gradually increasing strength. This may include passive, active-assisted, and active exercises under the guidance of a physical therapist.
Think you might have a humeral shaft fracture? Get the expert care you need with Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell. Reach out now for a comprehensive assessment and treatment plan
Surgical Treatments
Indications for Surgery:
- Displaced or Unstable Fractures: When bone fragments are misaligned or unstable, non-surgical methods are insufficient.
- Open Fractures: Where the bone has pierced the skin, increasing the risk of infection.
- Nerve or Blood Vessel Injury: Fractures involving potential damage to surrounding nerves or blood vessels require immediate surgical intervention.
- Non-union or Delayed Healing: When the bone fails to heal correctly or is significantly delayed.
Types of Surgical Procedures:
- Internal Fixation: Utilises plates and screws to hold bone fragments in place, ensuring proper alignment and stabilisation during healing.
- Intramedullary Nailing: Involves inserting a metal rod into the marrow canal of the bone to stabilise the fracture. This method is minimally invasive and allows for early mobilisation.
Whilst the healing rate is approximately 85% with non -surgical treatment, it can take up to 3 months before patients have painless movement with the arm. Surgical treatment immediately stabilises the fracture, this enables full range of motion straight away with no brace required.Â
Before and After Surgery
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Initial Healing Phase
Duration: Bone healing typically takes 6-8 weeks. Immobilisation during this period helps to ensure proper alignment and healing.
Rehabilitation Exercises
Importance: Physical therapy is crucial to regain strength, flexibility, and function in the affected arm.
Types of Exercises: These may include range-of-motion activities, strengthening exercises, and functional training tailored to the patient's progress.
Returning to Normal Activities
Gradual Process: Gradual return to daily activities and sports as healing progresses. Dr Oscar will provide specific guidelines based on your progress and recovery to prevent re-injury.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why Choose Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell?
Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell is a highly qualified and experienced orthopaedic surgeon in Adelaide, specialising in upper limb surgeries. His extensive knowledge in treating humeral shaft fractures and a patient-centred approach ensures the highest quality of care.
Ready to learn more?
Watch more about humerus fractures and other upper limb injuries with Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell.