Humerus shaft fracture

This page is for adult patients. For pediatric patients, see: humerus shaft fracture (peds)

Background

  • Shaft defined as middle one-third of humerous from lesser tubercle to supracondylar ridges
  • Peaks in third and seventh decades of life (young men and osteoporotic elderly women)
  • Common site of pathologic fractures (especially breast cancer)

Clinical Features

  • Frequently occurs via direct blow, fall, or FOOSH
  • Localized tenderness, swelling, pain

Differential Diagnosis

Humerus Fracture Types

Humeral anatomy

Shoulder and Upper Arm Diagnoses

Traumatic/Acute:

Nontraumatic/Chronic:

Refered pain & non-orthopedic causes:

Evaluation

Workup

  • AP and lateral views of humerus
  • Consider additional views of elbow and shoulder

Diagnosis

Management

General Fracture Management

Specific Management

Disposition

  • Outpatient ortho referral (if adequate pain control)

Subspecialty Orthopedic Care

Non Operative

  • Most do not need surgery if
    • Less than 20% anterior angulation
    • 30% varus/valgus angulation
    • < 3cm shortening

Operative

  • Neurovascular injury
  • Significant soft tissue injury
  • Open fracture
  • Concern for compartment syndrome
  • Floating elbow (ipsilateral forearm fracture)
  • Neurovascular injury (radial nerve injury not contraindication to splinting)

See Also

References