Humerus Fractures

What are the causes of humerus fractures? What are its symptoms and treatment methods?

The humerus is the bone in the upper arm that connects the shoulder and elbow. What are the causes of humerus fractures? What are its symptoms? How can it be diagnosed and treated?

Causes of humerus fractures

Proximal humerus fractures most often occur in older people with osteoporosis when they fall on an outstretched arm, and can also occur as a result of:

     Car accidents.

     Being exposed to fire.

     Violent muscle contractions resulting from electric shocks.

The following risk factors increase the chances of developing a humerus fracture:

     Osteoporosis.

     Poor eyesight and balance.

     Smoking.

Types of humerus fractures include:

     Fracture of the proximal humerus.

     Fracture of the middle humerus.

     Fracture of the distal humerus.

Symptoms of humerus fractures

The most important symptoms that indicate a humerus fracture include:

     Feeling constant pain that increases with movement.

     Swelling of the fracture area.

     The appearance of bruises, and the skin color changes to blue.

     Hear a cracking sound.

     Loss of sensation in the arm if the fracture affects the surrounding nerves.

     A decreased pulse in the wrist, which occurs if the fracture affects blood flow in the surrounding blood vessels.

     Short arm length and deformity.

Diagnosis of humerus fractures

Humerus fractures are diagnosed using X-ray, MRI, or CT scan to determine the type and degree of fracture.

Treatment of humerus fractures

The fracture can be treated after reduction with a splint and the use of an arm holder, in addition to taking some analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications. Some types of fracture may require surgical intervention in order to reduce and stabilize the fracture.