A humerus fracture is a break in the humerus, the long bone of the upper arm connecting the shoulder to the elbow.

Common causes include falls, direct trauma, sports injuries, or car accidents.

Symptoms include arm pain, swelling, deformity, and difficulty moving the shoulder or elbow.

Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam and X-rays to confirm the fracture and its location.

It can occur near the shoulder (proximal), in the shaft of the bone (midshaft), or near the elbow (distal).

Treatment depends on the location and severity, ranging from bracing to surgical fixation.

Not all cases need surgery; many can be treated with bracing if the bone is well-aligned.

It's a brace that allows some controlled movement while supporting the healing bone, commonly used for midshaft fractures.

Options include plates and screws, or in some cases, a rod placed inside the bone, depending on the fracture pattern.

Healing often takes around 3 to 4 months, though this varies by individual and fracture severity.

Yes, the radial nerve, which runs close to the humerus, can be affected, especially with midshaft fractures.

Signs can include weakness in wrist or finger extension, sometimes called wrist drop.

Yes, therapy is often recommended to help restore shoulder and elbow motion and strength after healing.

Yes, especially with fractures near the shoulder, some stiffness or reduced motion can occur, though therapy helps improve this.

Yes, pain during healing is expected, gradually improving over time.

Yes, children can sustain this injury, sometimes with different treatment considerations due to growth plates.

Yes, elevation can help reduce swelling, especially in the first few days.

Yes, swelling around the upper arm is common, especially soon after the injury.

Without proper treatment, the bone may heal in a poor position, leading to long-term problems.

Return to work depends on your job demands and healing progress, as advised by your doctor.

Grip strength itself is less directly affected, though overall arm use, including nerve involvement, could impact hand function.

Yes, follow-up X-rays help confirm the bone is healing in good alignment.

Yes, it can occur along with other injuries, especially in high-impact trauma.

It can occur at any age but is often related to falls, which are more common in older adults, or high-energy trauma in younger people.

Yes, weaker bones from osteoporosis can increase fracture risk from a fall.

Avoid heavy lifting, overhead activities, or impact activities until your doctor clears you.

If the joint surface is affected or healing isn't ideal, arthritis in the nearby joint can develop over time.

Hardware removal isn't always necessary and depends on your specific situation and any symptoms.

Yes, mild residual stiffness can be common, especially with more severe fractures or nearby joint involvement.

Your doctor will use follow-up exams and X-rays to monitor healing progress.

Numbness can occur if nerve involvement is present and should be reported to your doctor.

This depends on the specific brace or cast; follow your doctor's specific instructions.

Yes, guided exercises and therapy can help regain motion and strength once your doctor allows movement.

Full recovery, including strength and motion, can take several months depending on severity and treatment.

Icing can help reduce pain and swelling, especially in the early stages, as advised by your doctor.

Reinjury is possible, especially with continued risk factors like falls or bone weakness.

Yes, follow-up visits help ensure proper healing and catch any complications early.

Many people regain good motion, though some residual stiffness can occur, especially with more severe fractures.

Yes, worsening pain should be reported to your doctor, as it may indicate a complication.

Yes, especially during healing, and sometimes for a period afterward, overhead lifting can be limited.

Yes, surgery generally provides good outcomes when appropriately indicated for the specific fracture pattern.

Many radial nerve injuries associated with humerus fractures do recover over time, though this can take weeks to months.

Yes, this test may be used to assess the extent and recovery of any nerve involvement.

Yes, especially with fractures near the elbow, motion at that joint can be affected.

Yes, driving may not be safe while your arm is in a brace or cast, especially if it's your dominant or steering-side arm.

Yes, therapy often begins as soon as it's safe, sometimes focusing on adjacent joints before full weight-bearing or resistance is allowed.

Occupational therapy may be included to help with daily task adaptation during recovery.

Pain and difficulty finding a comfortable position can affect sleep, especially in the early recovery period.

Yes, new numbness or weakness should be reported to your doctor promptly.

Seek urgent care for significant arm deformity, severe pain, or numbness and weakness following an injury.