It can be found between your elbow and your shoulder. In addition to the areas mentioned above, the humerus is made up of other parts, too. Your humerus has two important functions.
These are movement and support. The connections that the humerus makes at your shoulder and elbow allow for a wide variety of arm movements, such as:.
In addition to being crucial for various arm movements, your humerus is also important for support. For example, parts of the humerus serve as a connection point for muscles in your shoulder and arm. Fractures are one of the most common injuries to the humerus. Humerus fractures are classified by their location:. A humerus fracture most often occurs due to a direct blow.
This type of injury often happens in contact sports or car accidents. You can also break your humerus if you fall with your arm outstretched. Sometimes a humerus fracture can happen due to an underlying health condition.
This is called a pathologic fracture and can be caused by conditions such as osteoporosis or cancer. The type of treatment will depend on the severity of the fracture. Some treatment options may include one or a combination of the following:. Generally, it could take between 8 to 12 weeks to recover from a humerus fracture.
Keep in mind that you may need to do physical therapy for several months afterward. Your humerus is the long bone in your upper arm. The connections it makes at the shoulder and elbow enable you to make many different arm movements. The humerus is also a connection point for arm and shoulder muscles. Humerus fractures are a common injury that are often caused by falls, car accidents, or contact sports. These fractures are typically treated with medications, immobilization, and physical therapy.
Surgery may be needed in more severe cases. Make an appointment to see your doctor if you have upper arm pain that is severe, unexplained by another health condition, or affects your range of motion. Your doctor can help diagnose what may be causing your pain and develop a treatment plan. Arm pain is defined as discomfort or pain experienced anywhere throughout your arm.
It can include pain in your wrist, elbow, and rotator cuff. Severe fractures with previous arthroscopy joint degeneration may require shoulder replacement. Mobilization with physical therapy is begun immediately following surgery. A humerus shaft fracture may be treated with or without surgery, depending on the fracture pattern and associated injuries i.
A temporary splint extending from the shoulder to the forearm and holding the elbow bent at 90 degrees can be used for initial management of the fracture.
Nonoperative treatment usually includes the placement of fracture bracing that will be replaced by a cylindrical brace Sarmiento brace three to four weeks later that fits the upper arm while leaving the elbow free. The doctor will tell you how long to wear the cast or splint and will remove it at the right time. It may take several weeks to several months for the broken arm to heal completely.
Rehabilitation involves gradually increasing activities to restore muscle strength, joint motion and flexibility. The patient must complete range of motion, strengthening and other exercises prescribed by the doctor on a daily basis.
Rehabilitation will continue until the muscles, ligaments and other soft tissues perform normally. Surgery usually involves internal fixation of the fragments with plates, screws or a nail. The rehabilitation differs slightly from nonoperative treatment, with no splints or cast. The patient is usually given a sling for comfort and arm support. Elbow exercises may be started immediately after surgery, while shoulder exercises may be delayed for a few weeks based on the fracture pattern.
Health Home Conditions and Diseases. What is a humerus fracture? What causes a humerus fracture?
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