1. Proximal Humerus Fractures (Arm bone):

Commonly seen around the age of 65 years.

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Proximal humerus fracture

Treatment:

Non-Surgical:

  • Sling/Shoulder immobiliser.
  • Limb elevation & Ice packs
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Picture showing shoulder immobiliser

Surgical:

It includes stabilising the fracture fragments with plates and screws or wires and sutures . This is more often needed when there is injury to the glenoid (shoulder socket) or when broken bone pieces are severely out of place.

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Plate and screw fixation
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PROXIMAL HUMERUS FRACTURE TREATED WITH ROD AND NAILING

Recovery:

Patient will be given arm pouch or shoulder immobiliser which will be in place for 4 weeks.Gradual movements are started based on follow up xrays.

2. Fractures of the Distal Humerus:

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DISTAL HUMERUS FRACTURE

These fractures occur common in children and elders.
It usually requires surgical repair with plates and screws unless it is stable.

Treatment:

Non-Surgical:

Conservative management fails in this case.

Surgical:

A surgical procedure would stabilize the fragments . Whenever a fracture is open (skin broken over the fracture), urgent surgery is needed to clean out the wound and bone to minimize the risk of infection.

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Distal humerus fracture treated with plate and screws

Recovery:

Post operatively the arm is immobilised in a plaster back slab for 3-4 weeks and gradual movements are started.

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Back slab

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