Humeral shaft fractures

J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2018 Apr;27(4):e87-e97. doi: 10.1016/j.jse.2017.10.028. Epub 2017 Dec 29.

Abstract

Fractures of the humeral shaft are common injuries with multiple management strategies. Many still regard nonoperative management as the standard of care; however, as the understanding of these injuries increases, treatment recommendations are also evolving. Fracture pattern, fracture location, and identifiable patient risk factors may predict poor outcome with nonoperative management, and earlier operative intervention may be recommended. Operative management includes open reduction and internal fixation through a variety of exposures, intramedullary nail fixation, and external fixation. With increasing rates of shoulder arthroplasty, periprosthetic humeral shaft fractures also deserve special consideration.

Keywords: Humerus; bracing; fixation; fracture; periprosthetic; shaft.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Braces
  • Diaphyses / injuries
  • Fracture Fixation / adverse effects
  • Fracture Fixation / methods*
  • Fracture Healing
  • Humans
  • Humeral Fractures / classification
  • Humeral Fractures / diagnosis*
  • Humeral Fractures / therapy*
  • Humerus / anatomy & histology
  • Open Fracture Reduction*
  • Patient Selection
  • Periprosthetic Fractures / therapy
  • Physical Examination