Review Note

Diaphyseal Fracture of Humeral Bone

• High-energy trauma (young people)
• Low-energy trauma (old people)
  
  
  

• Weakness of the arm
• Pain, swelling, redness
• Possibly visible deformity
• Radial nerve damage
  
  
  

Treatment

• Indications:
  • Non-displaced/slightly displaced, closed fracture
  • No neurovascular injury
• Immobilization:
  • Coaptation splint + sling, followed by functional brace
    
    

• Indications:
  • Open fracture
  • Severe displacement
  • Neurovascular injury
  • Floating elbow (ipsilateral forearm fracture)
  • Compartment syndrome
• Procedures:
  • ORIF – plates & screws
  • Intramedullary nailing
  • Open fracture → flushing + debridement + Ex-fix + antibiotics + delayed closure of the wound
    
    

• Analgesia
• Physiotherapy (to maintain arm motion and prevent elbow stiffness)
• Follow-up X-rays for all patients