Fractures of the Humerus: Everything You Need to Know

A humerus fracture is a common injury that can occur due to a fall or direct trauma. The humerus includes the arm from the shoulder to the elbow. Depending on the location and severity of the fracture, it may require splinting or surgery.

Overview

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• This comprehensive guide provides information about fractures of the humerus, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and complications. It is designed to help patients and their families understand this common injury and make informed decisions about their health care.
• There are two types of humerus fractures based on the location of the break(s).
• Trauma from a fall or accident are often the cause of this type of fracture.
• Treatment varies depending on the type and severity of the break but may include the use of a sling, brace, splint or cast and/or surgery.

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Types of Fractures

Your healthcare provider will assign your fracture a type or classification depending on how your humerus is broken. Some fractures are classified by the shape or pattern of the break line:

• Transverse fracture.
• Oblique fracture.
• Spiral fracture.
• Segmental fracture.
• Comminuted fracture.
• Impacted fracture.
• Buckle fracture.
• Hairline fracture.

Some types of fractures are classified by how they happen:

• Stress fracture.
• Avulsion fracture.

If you break your humerus right above your elbow, you might have what’s called a supracondylar fracture. This is a type of elbow fracture that almost always affects kids. Your provider will diagnose and treat a supracondylar fracture like any other broken bone.

Open vs. Closed Fractures

Your healthcare provider will classify your fracture as either open or closed. If you have an open fracture your bone breaks through your skin. Open fractures usually take longer to heal and have an increased risk of infections and other complications. Closed fractures are still serious, but your bone doesn’t push through your skin.

Displaced Humerus Fractures

Displaced or non-displaced are more words your provider will use to describe your fracture. A displaced fracture means the pieces of your bone moved so much that a gap formed around the fracture when your bone broke. Non-displaced fractures are still broken bones, but the pieces weren’t moved far enough during the break to be out of alignment. Displaced fractures are much more likely to require surgery to repair.

Humerus Fracture Locations and Anatomy

Your provider might reference where on your humerus you experienced a fracture. There are lots of terms providers use to talk about specific bones, but the most common ones you’ll hear are:

• Location (proximal and distal): Proximal and distal are words that describe where a fracture is located along your bone’s length. The proximal end of your humerus is the top. The distal end is the bottom. So, if you have a proximal humerus fracture, your upper arm bone is broken near its top — the end that connects to your shoulder. Similarly, if you have a distal humerus fracture that means your bone is broken at the bottom, closer to your elbow.
• Anatomy (parts of your bones): Even though your bones are one piece, they have many parts that can be damaged during a fracture. Your humerus has a head (your proximal aspect, near your shoulder), shaft and distal aspect (the end at the bottom, near your elbow). Other common labels like the surgical neck and greater tuberosity are just specific areas on your bone. These terms are usually more for your healthcare provider to use as they describe where your bone is damaged.

Symptoms and Causes

Symptoms of humerus fractures include:

• Pain.
• Swelling.
• Tenderness.
• Inability to move your arm like you usually can.
• Bruising or discoloration.
• A deformity or bump that’s not usually on your body.

Humerus fractures are almost always caused by traumas. Your humerus is one of the strongest bones in your body, and something has to hit your upper arm with a lot of force to break it. Some of the most common causes include car accidents, falls, and sports injuries.

Diagnosis and Tests

Your healthcare provider will diagnose a humerus fracture with a physical exam and imaging tests, such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or a CT scan.

Treatment

If your fracture is mild and your bones did not move far out of place, you might only need a splint or cast. More severe breaks require a closed reduction to set (realign) your bones, or surgery. If surgery is required, your surgeon may use internal fixation techniques, such as rods, plates and screws, or pins and wires. After treatment, physical therapy is often required to regain strength and range of motion.

Complications

Possible complications of humerus fractures and their treatment include acute compartment syndrome, malunion, nonunion, bone infection, and damage to muscles, nerves, blood vessels, tendons, and ligaments.

Prognosis

Most people are able to make a full recovery after a humerus fracture with appropriate treatment and physical therapy.

Fractures of the Humerus: The Ultimate Guide

Don't let a humerus fracture catch you off guard. With our comprehensive guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about this common injury, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and complications.

Overview

A humerus fracture is a painful, yet common injury that can occur due to a fall or direct trauma. The humerus bone goes all the way from your shoulder to your elbow, so breaking it can have serious consequences. Depending on the location and severity of the fracture, it may require splinting or surgery.

Types of Fractures

No two humerus fractures are alike. Depending on how your bone is broken, your healthcare provider may classify it as a transverse, oblique, spiral, segmental, comminuted, impacted, buckle or hairline fracture. Fractures can also be classified by how they happen, such as stress or avulsion fractures.

If you break your humerus right above your elbow, you might have what’s called a supracondylar fracture. This is a type of elbow fracture that almost always affects kids. Your provider will diagnose and treat a supracondylar fracture like any other broken bone.

Symptoms and Causes

Don't ignore the signs of a humerus fracture. Symptoms include pain, swelling, tenderness, inability to move your arm like you usually can, bruising or discoloration, and a deformity or bump that’s not usually on your body. Humerus fractures are almost always caused by traumas such as car accidents, falls, and sports injuries.

Diagnosis and Tests

Diagnosing a humerus fracture requires a physical exam and imaging tests such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or a CT scan.

Treatment

Getting prompt treatment is crucial to managing the pain and preventing complications. Treatment varies depending on the type and severity of the break but may include the use of a sling, brace, splint or cast and/or surgery. After treatment, physical therapy is often required to regain strength and range of motion.

Complications

Humerus fractures and their treatment can lead to complications such as acute compartment syndrome, malunion, nonunion, bone infection, and damage to muscles, nerves, blood vessels, tendons, and ligaments. That's why it's important to work with your healthcare provider to ensure proper care and prevent further injury.

Prognosis

It may take time, but most people are able to make a full recovery after a humerus fracture with appropriate treatment and physical therapy. Don't give up hope!