Fractures of the humerus

Classification

1. Fractures of the humeral head (AO 11 + Neer klasification type I–IV),
2. fractures of the diaphysis of the humerus (AO 12) – abduction, adduction,
3. fractures of the distal end of the humerus (AO 13) – supracondylar (flexion + extension), intercondylar.

Fracture of the diaphysis of the humerus (X-ray).

Complications

• Nerve injury:

nervus axillaris – fractures of the neck,

nervus radialis – fractures of the diaphysis,

nervus ulnaris – fractures of the ulnar epicondyle.

• Injuries to blood vessels:

a. circumflexa humeri ant. et post. –fractures of the neck,

a. brachialis – fractures of the diaphysis and supracondylar fractures.

Supracondylar fracture of the humerus (X-ray). H = humerus, R = radius, U = ulna; fracture indicated by arrow.

Treatment

• Conservative (hanging cast, Desault, abduction splint, circular brace) for non-dislocated or dislocated after reposition;

• of the surgical options are preferred:

• neck and humeral head splint (PHILOS), spike (PHN),

• diaphysis of the humerus - intramedullary nail secured, possibly splint,

• distal humerus - supracondylar fractures with two crossed K-wires, intercondylar fractures with splints.

References

Source

• PASTOR, Jan. Langenbeck's medical web page [online]. [cit. 2022-17-12]. <http://langenbeck.webs.com>.