How do you immobilize a proximal humerus fracture?
How do you immobilize a proximal humerus fracture?
Proximal Humeral Fracture Nonoperative treatment is usually with a sling or shoulder immobilizer with no shoulder mobility for the first two weeks. Thereafter, the patient will be given weekly exercises to slowly increase the shoulder’s range of motion.
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 long does it take for a broken humerus to heal in a child?
Supracondylar humerus fractures often heal within 4 weeks from start of treatment (either surgery or casting). After your child has his or her cast removed, it may take 4 weeks for the child to be able to move the elbow normally. In rare cases, your child may require physical therapy to help regain strength and motion.
Is a proximal humerus fracture serious?
Unfortunately, proximal humerus fractures are often serious injuries, especially when the alignment of the bone has shifted significantly. Declines in shoulder function are not uncommon, and people who sustain these injuries often do not recover their full strength or mobility of the joint.
How long do you have to 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 often does a proximal humerus fracture occur in children?
Overview pediatric proximal humerus fractures are a relatively common physeal and metaphyseal fracture of the proximal humerus seen in children with a peak age of 15 year treatment is nearly always nonoperative in younger patients due to the remodeling potential of the proximal humerus. Epidemiology incidence < 5% of fractures in children.
What are special considerations for management of proximal humerus fractures?
Special considerations should be taken for management of proximal humerus fractures that occur in the context of Little League shoulder, lesser tuerosity avulsion fractures, fracture-dislocations, birth fractures, and fractures associated with cysts.
Can a humerus fracture be confirmed by radiographs?
Proximal Humerus Fractures are relatively common physeal and metaphyseal fractures of the proximal humerus. Diagnosis is confirmed with plain radiographs of the shoulder. Treatment is usually nonoperative in younger patients due to the remodeling potential of the proximal humerus.
When does the ossification of the proximal humerus occur?
The three ossification centers coalesce by 6 years of age. The proximal humeral physis remains open until approximately 16-19 years of age. (Neer, 1965) Proximal humeral fractures are 3-4 times more likely to occur in boys than girls. Most fractures are the result of a fall onto the shoulder or from a direct blow to the proximal arm.
