What is an intraarticular fracture of the proximal humerus?
Type-C fractures are all intra-articular anatomic neck fractures, including dislocation and splitting of the humeral head. These are divided into C1, articular with slight displacement, C2, articular impacted by marked displacement, and C3, articular with dislocation.
How do you treat a proximal humerus fracture?
Proximal humerus fractures may be treated nonoperatively with an initial period of immobilization followed by early motion. Initial immobilization may be achieved with a sling, a shoulder immobilizer, or a sling with an accompanying swathe. These devices provide varying degrees of constraint.
How long does a proximal humerus fracture take to heal?
Proximal humerus fractures typically require 6 to 8 weeks for the bone to heal, plus a period of rehabilitation of about 3 to 6 months. The goal of rehabilitation is to restore arm function and help you return to regular activities as soon as possible.
What is a common complication of a proximal humerus fracture?
The complications of proximal humeral fractures may occur as a result of the injury, or secondary to operative treatment. Several have been previously discussed and they most commonly are related to avascular necrosis and/or tuberosity malunion.
How do I shower with a broken humerus?
To wash under the injured arm, lean slightly to the side and forward. This will give access to the underarm. Use a face cloth, soap and water ensuring the area is dried thoroughly. Do not try to raise your arm A fractured Humerus can be very mobile.
How painful is a proximal humerus fracture?
Proximal humerus fractures usually hurt a lot, especially when you try to move your arm. Simple breathing will cause pain. There may be a lot of swelling and bruising in your armpit, your chest, and down your arm. You may even have bruising in your hand or even fingers.
How long should you wear a sling with a broken humerus?
One should wear the sling for a minimum of 3 weeks, and a maximum of 6 weeks. Your doctor will determine this. Between 3 to 6 weeks you may trial not wearing the sling- if you are comfortable then you may keep the sling off. If you are getting a lot of pain then you should keep wearing the sling.
How long will a broken humerus hurt?
It will take a minimum of 12 weeks to heal. Patients may be on pain relief medications for a longer duration. The plaster that is applied for this injury is heavy; this is to help the fracture stay in the correct position, and patients must adapt their lifestyle to get used to this.
How long does a broken humerus take to heal in adults?
General Treatment Most proximal humerus fractures can be treated without surgery. The broken bone will take 3 to 4 months to heal. During this time, you will need to perform exercises to regain range of motion, strength, and return to normal activities.
What is the shape of the head of the humerus?
At its proximal end, the humerus forms a smooth, spherical structure known as the head of the humerus.
What makes up the distal end of the humerus?
Below the deltoid tuberosity, the humerus gradually widens, doubling its width as it approaches the elbow. The distal end of the humerus contains two joint-forming processes known as the capitulum and trochlea. On the medial side of the arm, the trochlea interlocks with the ulna of the forearm to form half of the elbow joint.
Where does the tip of the ulna lock into the humerus?
Anatomy Explorer. On the posterior side of the humerus, a small cavity known as the olecranon fossa allows the tip of the ulna, known as the olecranon, to lock into the humerus and prevent the extension of the elbow beyond 180 degrees.
Where are the tubercles of the humerus located?
Two small processes, the greater and lesser tubercles, extend from the humerus just below the anatomical neck as attachment points for the muscles of the rotator cuff. The humerus narrows below the tubercles again in a region known as the surgical neck before extending toward elbow joint as the body of the humerus.
