Fractures of the Humeral Shaft

Abstract

The incidence of humeral shaft fractures is relatively low compared to that of other long bone fractures. Generally, they do not represent major problems when treated by closed techniques. Internal fixation is rarely used even by the most aggressive surgeons and it has been long recognized that complications from surgery are likely to occur. With the use of fracture bracing techniques clinical results have been encouraging and the morbidity has been very low. Fracture bracing allows for early range of motion of the joints and muscle activity and therefore reduces or eliminates the sequelae of immobilization and inactivity. Minor angulatory deformities which frequently occur do not constitute a functional deficit. The few degrees of angulation at the fracture site are difficult to recognize and therefore are not cosmetically unsightly. The shortening of the humeral shaft that has been observed in a few instances is also of no clinical significance. Rotational deformities have usually been minimal and represent a loss of external rotation of the shoulder in its last few degrees. These mild deformities are also of no clinical significance.