Fracture of humerus Flashcards
Which two muscles act as insertion points to the humerus?
- Pectoralis major
2. Deltoid
Which 3 muscles are origin points for the humerus?
- Brachialis
- Biceps
- Brachoradialis
Which two nerves run along the shaft of the humerus?
median nerve and ulnar nerve run along the shaft
Which nerve is proximal to the lateral epicondyle?
radial nerve
How do fractures of the humerus commonly present?
Patients present with;
- Pain
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- Derformity
- Inability to move shoulder
( common in those with osteoporosis )
How do ‘proximal humerus’ fractures occur?
- Fractures of the neck of the humerus are caused by indirect trauma
- Fractures through the surgical neck of the humerus are common and as they are extracapsular, blood supply is not disturbed
What complication can occur with proximal humeral fractures?
- Axillary nerve injury may occur so Deltoid sensation should be assessed
- Shoulder stiffness is a common complication so early physiotherapy in the elderly is important
Mx of proximal humeral fractures?
- Most fractures are undisplaced and stable
2. Treat conservatively with a collar and cuff brace which provides traction by gravity
Mechanism of humeral shaft fracture?
Fracture occurs following a direct blow during FOOSH
- fracture is oblique and displaced
Tx of humeral shaft fracture?
Conservative mx most of the time with a collar and cuff
What are the indication for surgical management?
- Open fractures
- Segmental or transverse fractures where alignment is difficult to maintain
- Neurovascular injury
What is ‘floating elbow’?
Fracture of humerus and forearm
What is ‘floating shoulder’?
Fracture of humerus
+
Fracture of scapula / clavicle
Two main methods of surgical mx in humeral fracture?
- Intramedullary nailing
2. Compression plating - better union rate and lower complication rate
