Humerus Fractures
Breaks in the upper arm bone.
Most proximal humerus fractures in the elderly heal well with a sling. We accept some displacement to avoid the risks of surgery, as function often returns nicely despite the X-ray appearance.
Symptoms
- Severe pain
- Bruising down the arm
- Swelling
- Inability to move
Conservative treatment
- Sling immobilization
- Pendulum exercises
- Early motion
- Bone stimulation
When is surgery needed?
ORIF (plates) or hemiarthroplasty for displaced, comminuted fractures of the humeral head.