Fractures of the Humerus

Abstract

Most fractures in the upper arm, especially comminuted fractures and those of the neck of the humerus, are best treated conservatively for two reasons. First, because conservative treatment can be combined with early mobilization thus avoiding to a large extent the joint stiffness that follows prolonged immobilization; second, because access to these fractures is much more difficult than in the forearm or in the lower extremity. There are, nevertheless, individual cases in which only operative reduction can be expected to lead to full restoration of function. They will be discussed separately according to the anatomical sections of the humerus.