Humeral Fractures - Types, Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Introduction

The humerus or humeral bone is the bone of the upper arm. It is the longest bone in the body, next to the bones of the legs. It plays a critical role in arm movements. In addition, it provides support and stability for the shoulder. Hence, the humerus is involved in every aspect of daily functions. The bone extends from the shoulder to the elbow, so it unites with the two bones radius and ulna in the elbow region. In the shoulder region, it connects with the scapula bone. The humerus bone is associated with certain muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, and even the section of the circulatory system. Therefore, any break of the bone could be a significant concern requiring emergency and effective medical attention.

What Are Humeral Fractures?

Humeral fracture is the fracture of the humerus bone in the upper extremity. One with a humerus fracture experiences intense pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty in arm motions. In addition, the individual tends to hold the elbow since the humerus bone occupies the largest of the upper arm. Therefore, the pain from the humerus bone is felt from the shoulder to the elbow.

What Are the Types of Humerus Fractures?

1. Depending on Severity and Nature - Fracture is generally of several types depending upon the nature and severity of the break. Hence, the following classification is general for any bone fracture.

• Closed Fracture: A Closed fracture is known as a fracture that does not break and thus opens the surrounding skin structures.

• Complete Fracture: Here, the bone breaks into two segments.

• Displaced Fracture: Displaced fracture takes place when the fractured segment is displaced and does not be in a normal alignment.

• Compound Fracture: Compound, also referred to as open fracture, results when the fracture is open and pierced through the skin. Nearly 20 percent of the pilon fractures are compound ones.

• Comminuted Fracture: A Comminuted fracture is a fracture that is characterized by a breakage into multiple segments.

• Spiral Fracture: The condition of fracture that spirals across the bone is called a spiral fracture.

• Impacted Fracture: Impacted fracture is known to occur when the bone fragments get driven into each other by force.

2. Depending on Location - The humerus fracture is specifically classified into three types based on the location of the fracture at the humerus bone.

• Proximal: The fracture that happens in the top part of the humerus close to the shoulder is known as the proximal. A fall with an outstretched arm can result in a proximal type of humerus fracture.

• Mid-Shaft: As the name implies, it is a fracture involving the middle part of the humerus bone. The primary cause includes a fall with an outstretched arm.

• Distal: The distal fracture is part of a complex elbow injury that results in the elbow region. Distal humerus fracture occurs on a complex basis as high-impact collisions, including sports injuries and car accidents.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Humerus Fractures?

The symptoms of humerus fracture vary from individual to individual, depending on its severity. In addition, the signs and symptoms of humerus fractures depend upon the distinct type of the fracture. The most common signs include the following.

• Pain.

• Tenderness.

• Swelling.

• Difficulty with hand movements.

• Inability to move the arm as before.

• Presence of deformity.

• Brushing or discoloration.

• Bleeding in cases of open fracture.

• Grinding sensation with shoulder movements.

Other symptoms can be encountered when the fracture damages the associated structures, such as nerves, muscles, blood vessels, and cartilage of the humerus. For instance, loss of arm use is evident in cases of nerve injury.

What Causes Humerus Fractures?

A range of causes is attributable to the occurrence of humerus fracture. Since the humerus is a robust bone, a hard-hitting of the upper extremity with a potent force could cause a humerus fracture. So, humerus fractures can occur as a consequence of the following tragedies.

• Falls.

• Direct blow.

• Accidents.

• Injuries.

• Assaults.

• Excess degrees of physical stress.

• Sports injuries like a football tackle.

Certain determinants could increase the risk of humerus fractures, including vitamin B deficiency, low bone density, and osteoporosis. Consequently, pathological factors also play a role in the cause of humerus fractures. The conditions could cause the weakening of the bones and could lead to humerus fractures in later life. In addition, these conditions leave the bone more susceptible to fractures even with daily activities rather than an injury. The pathological factors causing humerus fractures include

• Bone cancer.

• Osteoporosis.

• Bone infections.

• Bone cysts.

How Is Humerus Fracture Diagnosed?

Medical healthcare professionals first evaluate the symptoms, medical history, pain, and fracture of the ankle. Physical examination is undertaken with arm movements. Then, doctors suggest a range of X-ray imaging techniques for a comprehensive outlook of the humerus fractures. They help in diagnosis as well as the treatment processes. X-rays at distinct views aid in assessing the type, extent, and severity of the humerus fractures. Computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) presents the detailed features of the fracture.

What Are the Treatment Options for Humerus Fractures?

The intervention for humerus fracture involves non-surgical and surgical treatments. Nonsurgical options are prescribed for mild and hairline fractures. The surgery option is highly recommended for complex fractures, including the distal form of humerus fractures.

1. Non-Surgical:

• Immobilization: Immobilization of the fractured part is done employing a splint or cast. Immobilization is indicated in mild fractures where the fractured segment is not displaced and lies in the normal alignment.

• Closed Reduction: Closed reduction is performed in severe humerus fractures to realign the bones that have displaced or lost their alignment. Closed reduction is followed by immobilization means.

2. Surgical:

• Arthroplasty: Arthroplasty is a surgical procedure where the damaged or deteriorated segment is eliminated and thus replaced with artificial ones. The prosthesis is made up of metal, plastic, or ceramic.

• Internal Fixation: In internal fixation, the metal is surgically inserted into the bones to hold them in place, promoting the process of healing. It can be rods, pins, wires, or plates and screws.

• Bone Grafting: Bone grafting is recommended in severe displacements and poor healing. So, here, additional bone tissue is placed to fix the fractured bone.

Conclusion

One should primarily address the underlying cause of the fracture, which can be an injury, accident, direct blow, or even bone infection. Then, people can attain relief effectively by optimizing the use of medications, physical therapies, and surgical interventions that doctors suggest. Interventions of any fracture are aimed at addressing the pattern of the break, and the depth of the bone involvement is to look at.