Humeral Shaft Fracture

Description

This is a break of the humerus (upper arm bone) in its shaft — the long straight middle portion — from a fall, a direct blow, or a twisting injury.

How it happens (the mechanism)

A fall, blow, or twist breaks the shaft of the upper arm bone. A nerve called the radial nerve wraps around this bone, so the injury can temporarily stretch or bruise it, sometimes causing a “wrist drop” (difficulty lifting the wrist). The reassuring part is that the great majority of these nerve symptoms recover fully on their own over weeks to a few months.

Symptoms

Pain, swelling, and tenderness of the upper arm, sometimes with a bend, and occasionally difficulty lifting the wrist.

Doctor examination and imaging

The doctor checks alignment and the ability to lift the wrist and fingers (the radial nerve); X-rays show the fracture.

Treatment

Most are treated without surgery, in a brace, splint, or sling that lets gravity help hold the alignment, since the shoulder and elbow make up for minor differences. Surgery is reserved for unusual cases. Healing usually takes around six weeks.

Recovery and long-term outlook

Most heal well, and any radial-nerve symptoms usually recover on their own, so they rarely change the plan to treat the bone without surgery.

When to call the doctor

Call if pain is severe or worsening, your child will not use the arm at all, the area becomes very swollen, red, or warm, your child develops a fever, or things are not improving as expected.

Learn more

OrthoInfo (AAOS) — Growth Plate Fractures: orthoinfo.aaos.org

This information is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For specific concerns about your child, consult a board-certified, fellowship-trained pediatric orthopaedic surgeon.