$splinting humerus fracture$ $splinting humerus fracture$

#Splinting humerus fracture skin#

Regaining as much use of the elbow as possible requires dedication to the physical therapy aspect of recovery. An elbow fracture and the required time in a splint results in considerable stiffness in the elbow, so the patient would have to be prepared for a lengthy period of rehabilitation. These exercises would have to be done several times a day. An exercise program would be developed beginning with gentle range of motion exercises, followed by strengthening exercises once the bone was fully healed.

$splinting humerus fracture$

The patient will be advised when to start, with the probable recommendation to work with a physical therapist. Regardless of whether surgery was performed or not, physical therapy is necessary to rehabilitate the elbow. Compound fractures will always need surgery. Fixation devices such as orthopedic pins, screws, and plates are often used to hold the bones in position during healing. Many distal humerus fractures require surgery to reposition the humerus or to reassemble pieces of broken bone. If the bone is still in its correct position treatment may consist of continuous wearing of the splint and sling for several weeks, with regular follow-up appointments with the doctor and further X-rays. The need for surgery will depend on whether or not the humerus has been displaced. The splint will be worn for at least a week, but possibly up to six weeks. Initial treatment is to place the arm in the correct position for healing and immobilize the elbow in a splint or brace. X-rays show bones in great detail so are very useful if a distal humerus fracture is suspected. It is unlikely that the patient will be able to straighten the elbow when asked by the doctor. For the same reason, the patient will probably be asked if he or she feels any numbness or tingling. This is because there is a nerve (radial nerve) that can be damaged during this sort of injury. Blood flow to the hand and fingers will be checked, and the patient will probably be asked to move the fingers. The doctor will gently palpate (touch) the entire elbow area to determine if there might be other injuries, such as another broken bone, or a dislocation of the elbow.

#Splinting humerus fracture skin#

If the broken bone has pierced the skin there is a real risk of infection. The examination will include checking the skin for abrasions or lacerations. The entire arm and shoulder may be examined at the same time, to rule out other injuries. The doctor will ask for a medical history, including any previous injuries to the elbow.

Occasionally numbness or tingling may be felt in the wrist or hand.

$splinting humerus fracture$

The elbow will feel extremely unstable and vulnerable.Rarely, the fracture may be compound, meaning that a piece of bone has pierced the skin.Swelling, bruising, and tenderness of the elbow.Pain so severe that the patient is unable to move the elbow at all.In this instance it is possible for the ulna to be forced into the humerus, breaking it.įractures from falls are more likely to happen to elderly people, while fractures from a blow happen more often to younger people. Due to the structure of the elbow and the associated muscles, nerves, and blood supply, a distal humerus fracture can be challenging to treat.Ī strong impact, such as during a motor vehicle accident, or falling and landing on the point of the elbow, are common causes of a distal humerus fracture.Īnother type of fall that produces such a fracture is when the elbow is straight and the person lands on the outstretched arm. Fractures are named and graded according to location and severity. The humerus can often break into several pieces when it is broken at the distal end. Muscles and tendons cause movement and ligaments run from bone to bone, helping to maintain alignment and prevent excessive mobility. The way the bones are shaped keeps the elbow joint in its correct alignment, with a cup-shaped part of the ulna (olecranon) holding the end of the humerus and moving around it as the elbow bends. Together they allow the arm to move in a hinge-like manner, and also to turn the hand palm up or palm down. Three bones articulate with each other to form the elbow: the humerus in the upper arm, and the radius and ulna in the lower arm.

$splinting humerus fracture$