Humerus Fracture: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment And Cost

A humerus fracture is a break in the humerus, the upper arm bone.

From the shoulder to the elbow, the humerus extends.

Humerus fractures can range from a simple break in the bone to a severe break with many pieces.

Forms of humerus fractures include:

• Proximal Humerus Fracture: At the apex of the humerus bone, this break occurs close to the shoulder joint. Usually, a fall onto an extended arm or a direct injury to the shoulder is to blame.
• Middle Third Fracture: This kind of fracture, which affects the middle part of the humerus bone, is often brought on by high-energy trauma, such as a car accident or a sports injury involving contact.
• Distal Humerus Fracture: A break at the lower end of the humerus bone, close to the elbow joint, characterizes this kind of fracture. It may be brought on by a fall onto an extended arm, an elbow injury, or a violent twisting action.
• Surgical Neck Fracture: This type of fracture occurs in the area between the head and shaft of the humerus bone, and is often associated with dislocation of the shoulder joint. It is often brought on by high-energy trauma, such as car accidents or height falls.
• Comminuted Fracture: This type of fracture involves multiple fractures in different parts of the humerus bone due to high-energy trauma such as motor vehicle accidents or contact sports injuries.

Humerus fractures are brought on by:

• Trauma: Trauma, such as a fall, a car accident, or direct impacts to the arm, is the most typical cause of humerus fractures.
• Osteoporosis: People who suffer from osteoporosis, a bone-thinning condition, may be more prone to humerus fractures as their bones are more fragile and prone to breakage.
• Overuse: Certain activities that involve repetitive motions of the arm can also lead to humerus fractures. This is especially common in athletes who participate in sports such as throwing or golfing.
• Age: As people age, their bones become more brittle and prone to fracture, making them more susceptible to humerus fractures.

The following are signs of humerus fracture:

• Sudden, severe pain in the upper arm is the most typical sign of a humerus fracture.
• The afflicted region may also include swelling, bruising, and soreness.
• In some cases, there may be deformity or an obvious lump on the arm near the break.
• One may also experience a limited range of motion in the arm due to pain and swelling.
• In severe cases, numbness or tingling may occur if nerves were damaged during the fracture.

Humerus Fracture can be prevented by the following ways:

• Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help to strengthen bones and improve balance and coordination, making it less likely that you'll suffer a fracture.
• Wear a seatbelt: Wearing a seat belt when driving or riding in a car can help prevent humerus fractures caused by motor vehicle accidents.
• Wear protective gear: Wearing protective gear such as helmets and padding while playing contact sports or participating in activities that carry a risk of falls can help protect the arms from injury.
• Maintain a healthy diet: Calcium and vitamin D-rich meals may help keep bones healthy and lower the risk of fracture.
• Avoid smoking: Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of bone fracture, so avoiding smoking or quitting if you do smoke is recommended for maintaining good bone health.

The diagnosis and test of Humerus Fracture are:

• X-Ray: An X-ray is the first test used to diagnose a humerus fracture. This imaging test can show the exact location and type of fracture, as well as any displacement of the bone fragments.
• CT Scan: An X-ray cannot show the fracture as precisely as a computed tomography (CT) scan does. It can also help to determine if there is any involvement of the joint surface or any soft tissue damage associated with the fracture.
• MRI Scan: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often used to evaluate soft tissue injuries associated with humerus fractures, such as ligament and muscle tears. It may also be used if the fracture involves a joint surface or if there is a concern for an associated vascular injury, such as an artery or vein being injured near the fracture site.
• Bone Scan: A bone scan may be used for fractures that are not visible on X-ray or CT scans, but which may still cause pain due to inflammation in the area caused by a stress reaction or microfracture in the bone. The bone scan will help detect these types of fractures and help guide treatment decisions accordingly.

The possible complication of Humerus Fracture are:

• Damage to the Nerves and Blood Vessels: During a humerus fracture, the nerves and blood vessels that are located in the arm can become damaged. If the bone pierces the tissue around it, this may occur. Damage to these nerves and blood vessels can lead to decreased sensation in the arm, as well as circulation problems.
• Impaired Shoulder Movement: The humerus is an important bone for shoulder movement, so a fracture of this bone can lead to impaired shoulder movement. Depending on the location of the fracture, it may be difficult for a person to lift their arm above their head or out to their side.
• Joint Deformity: A humerus fracture can cause joint deformity, as the bone may not heal properly back into its original shape. This could lead to an inability to move or use the affected joint properly and could even cause pain when attempting movement.
• Nonunion: Nonunion is a complication where the broken ends of a bone do not heal together properly or at all, which can result in long-term immobility of the affected joint. This is usually caused by inadequate immobilization, infection, or low blood supply to the area of injury, although it may also be due to an underlying medical condition such as diabetes or osteoporosis.
• Infection: A humerus fracture presents an opportunity for bacteria to enter into the surrounding tissues and cause an infection that could further complicate recovery from a fracture. Infection is more likely if there was an open wound present before surgery or if there was any delay in getting treatment for the fracture due to misdiagnosis or other factors that delayed treatment.

Home remedies for Humerus Fracture are:

• Gargle with warm water mixed with turmeric and salt for faster healing of humerus fracture.
• To minimize swelling, make a paste of coriander leaves and apply it to the afflicted region.
• Take a mixture of equal parts of castor oil and ginger juice, and massage the affected area twice daily for relief from pain.
• Make a paste of alum powder with water and apply it to the affected area for faster recovery from humerus fracture.
• Consume half a teaspoon of turmeric powder mixed in a glass of warm milk every day to reduce swelling and pain associated with humerus fracture.

Following is the diet to be followed for Humerus Fracture:

• It is important to eat foods that are rich in calcium and protein such as milk, eggs, and fish, to ensure that the bones heal properly and quickly.
• Eating foods high in Vitamin C can also be beneficial for healing as it aids in collagen production which helps with tissue repair. Oranges, strawberries, broccoli, and kale are just a few of the foods that are great providers of vitamin C.
• Eating foods that are high in iron like red meat, spinach, and legumes can also help with healing since iron helps the body produce red blood cells which transport oxygen throughout the body and help the healing process.
• During healing from a fracture, it's crucial to keep hydrated by consuming plenty of water throughout the day. Additionally, eating healthy snacks such as fruits or nuts can help provide energy throughout the day while still keeping calories low enough to maintain a healthy weight during recovery.

Following are the diet that should be avoided in Humerus Fracture:

• High-sugar and processed foods: Sugary and processed foods are high in calories and unhealthy fats. They can cause inflammation and slow the healing process.
• Foods high in saturated fat: Certain foods might cause weight gain, which can put more strain on the wounded region and slow recovery.
• Alcohol: Alcohol can interfere with the body's ability to heal itself, so it should be avoided while recovering from a humerus fracture.
• Caffeinated beverages: Caffeine can interfere with sleep and lead to dehydration, both of which can impede healing.
• Salty foods: Dehydration brought on by eating too much salt might impede the healing process.

The treatment of Humerus Fracture are:

• Closed Reduction and Percutaneous Pinning: During this procedure, a doctor will manually try to bring the broken ends of the bone together. Finally, to keep it in place, a pin is pushed through the skin and into the bone. This operation is often quicker than open reduction surgery and may be carried out under local or general anesthesia.
• Open Reduction and Internal Fixation: This more complicated surgical operation is often carried out while the patient is asleep. To maintain the bone in place while it heals, an incision is made in the arm, and metal plates, screws, or pins are put into the bone.
• External Fixators: These are metal frames that are placed on the outside of the arm and held in place with pins that go into the bone. The external fixator allows for movement of the limb while it heals, but can be uncomfortable due to its bulkiness and may require additional procedures once healing is complete.

The doctors that should be consulted for Humerus Fracture are:

• For a humerus fracture, it is recommended to consult an orthopedic surgeon or an orthopedic trauma specialist.
• They will be able to diagnose and treat the injury, as well as recommend medication and physical therapy to help with the healing process.

The best medicines for Humerus Fracture are given below:

• Analgesics: These drugs are used to relieve pain, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and codeine.
• Muscle Relaxants: Certain medications, such as cyclobenzaprine and carisoprodol, are used to lessen muscular spasms.
• Anti-inflammatory Drugs: These drugs are used to reduce inflammation and swelling, such as corticosteroids (prednisone) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• Antibiotics: Certain medications, like ciprofloxacin or amoxicillin, are used to treat or prevent infections.
• Bisphosphonates: These drugs are used to help strengthen bones by decreasing bone resorption, such as alendronate and risedronate.
• Calcium Supplements: These supplements are used to help maintain healthy bones by increasing calcium levels, such as calcium carbonate or calcium citrate.

Generally, it takes around 6-12 weeks to heal from a humerus fracture.

Physical therapy can be necessary during this period to help the arm restore its strength and range of motion.

The kind and degree of the fracture will determine the course of therapy for humerus fractures.

In general, surgical treatments can provide long-term relief from symptoms and restore normal arm function.

Non-surgical treatments, such as immobilization, may also provide relief from pain and other symptoms but may not restore full arm function.

The post-treatment guidelines for Humerus Fracture are given below:

• Follow the instructions of your doctor for proper post-treatment care for a humerus fracture.
• Wear a sling or splint as recommended by your doctor to protect and immobilize the fracture site.
• Avoid any activities that require the use of the affected arm until the fracture has healed completely.
• Physical therapy may be advised to aid in regaining the afflicted arm's range of motion and strength in the surrounding muscles.
• Take medications as prescribed by your doctor, such as pain relievers, to reduce pain and swelling at the fracture site.
• Maintaining good nutrition is important for proper healing; eat a balanced diet rich in protein, calcium and other vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for healing bones.
• Follow up with your doctor regularly to monitor the progress and healing of your humerus fracture throughout your post-treatment care period.
• What is the cost of Humerus fracture treatments in India?
• Generally, a simple humeral fracture may cost anywhere between Rs.5,000 - Rs.50,000, while a complex humeral fracture may cost anywhere between Rs.50,000 - Rs.2 Lakhs.
• The cost also includes the charges for surgery, implants and post-operative care.

The side effects of Humerus Fracture treatment are:

• Pain: Treatments for humerus fractures may cause pain due to the healing process or the surgical procedure itself. Pain medications and other forms of pain management can help manage this discomfort.
• Infection: Treatments for humerus fractures have the same risk of infection as any invasive operation. This risk is usually low but can be higher in cases of open fractures where the bone breaks through the skin.
• Nerve Damage: Nerve damage is another potential side effect of these treatments, particularly if the fracture was severe enough to cause nerve damage at the time of injury. Surgery can cause further damage, but physical therapy and other measures can help minimize this risk.
• Mobility Issues: Depending on the severity of the fracture and type of treatment, mobility may be limited for some time following treatment as your body heals from the injury and/or surgical procedure. Physical therapy can help improve mobility over time to ensure proper healing and recovery from a humerus fracture.
• Scarring: Scarring is possible following surgery to treat a humerus fracture, as well as from any incisions made during a closed reduction treatment method. In some cases, scarring may be minimal due to advances in surgical techniques and technology that minimize tissue trauma during procedures.

See a doctor in your area if you are experiencing any consequences related to a humerus fracture since these may include 'Impaired Shoulder Mobility, infection, deformity, etc.,' with treatment regimens ranging from a few months to years depending on the severity of the condition.