Fracture of the upper end of the humerus can be intraarticular and extraarticular. Fracture of the head of the humerus and fracture of the anatomical neck belong to the intra-articular fractures, and the fracture of the surgical neck and the tubercle fracture are related to extraarticular fractures of the humerus. In addition, often there are isolated fractures of a large tubercle, rarely - a small tubercle.

What are the symptoms of a fracture in the humerus?

Most of the victims understand immediately that there was a bone fracture in the crunch in the shoulder, which they can feel at the time of injury. A damaged shoulder increases in volume, may look deformed. On the surface of the shoulder there may be a wound that is accompanied by bleeding( if an open bone fracture).

The patient usually has an instant acute pain at the site of the fracture, which, with the slightest movement, intensifies. A man can not use his hand normally.

Diagnosis of fracture of humerus

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To diagnose this fracture of a bone, a specialist needs to know exactly all the circumstances of the injury. The doctor examines the arm and excludes possible other damage, for example, damage to nerves and blood vessels. The doctor may ask you to squeeze your fingers into a fist on the injured arm, bend your arm, etc.

When diagnosed, an X-ray of the damaged arm is performed. In some complex cases of fracture, research methods such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging may be needed.

First aid for fracture of humerus

If there is a suspicion that a bone fracture occurred, call an ambulance immediately. Do not attempt to move the patient by hand. This can damage blood vessels and soft tissues. If fragments of bones protrude from the wound( this is an open fracture), then do not try to push them back.

Ensure that the condition of the victim is stable and does not threaten his life. Make sure that the patient's breathing is free and the pulse is well felt.

If there is a wound, to avoid contamination, cover it with a dry bandage or bandages before the ambulance arrives.

If medical assistance is not available, and the victim must be moved, then the injured limb must be immobilized( immobilized) with a kerchief or temporary tires.

Implemented can be temporary splinting with the help of twigs, planks, cardboard. It is necessary to avoid squeezing the limb by using a supporting loop.

The scarfs make it possible to stabilize the fracture in the humerus and to maintain the limb immobilized by the tire. A scarf is a piece of fabric with interconnected ends. She puts on her neck and supports the injured hand. The patient needs to be rushed to the hospital.

Conservative treatment of fracture of humerus

A doctor may need repositioning in the treatment of this fracture - insertion of bone fragments in the desired position. Depending on the severity of the fracture, the patient may need anesthesia. In some cases, surgical treatment is used.

After the bone fragments have been inserted into the desired position, the specialist implements immobilization of the limb with the help of special longi or gypsum dressings or modern hardening materials. For the right fusion fracture, most patients only need to be immobilized with a long or special bandage. The specialist gives the patient recommendations how to conduct the period of immobilization and when it is necessary to stop it.

Complete fusion after a fracture of the humerus may last from several weeks up to several months. Restoration includes a gradual increase in the activity of the damaged arm, the restoration of muscle strength, the amplitude of the movements of the joints, as well as their mobility.

It is very important during the rehabilitation period that the patient and the doctor cooperate actively to obtain an effective result. The patient should perform special exercises, appointed by a doctor, specially selected for each specific case. Also, during the rehabilitation period after the fracture of the humerus, massage and physiotherapy procedures are prescribed. Treatment of fracture of the bone continues until the ligaments, muscles and other soft tissues will not function properly.