Definition

A fracture of the humerus is a partial or complete break of the humerus, which is the bone of the upper arm and it extends from the shoulder to the elbow. Te majority of fractures of the humerus occur at the tubercles and along the neck and shaft of the humerus.

Parts involved

• humerus

• shoulder and elbow joints

• surrounding soft tissues, nerves, periosteum, blood vessels and muscles

Signs & Symptoms

• deformity at the fracture site that is clearly visible

• area is tender to the touch

• swelling of the area surrounding the frature of the humerus

• extreme arm pain in the area of the fracture upon injury

• possible numbness caused by impingement from the swelling or the actual broken bone pressing on blood vessels or nerves in the upper arm

Causes

Normally a humerus fracture is the result of a direct blow to the upper arm, however a humerus fracture can result from an indirect stress such as twisting or falling and bracing your fall with your arm stretched out.

Risks

• contact sports like football, hockey, wrestling etc

• bone disease such as osteoperosis

• excessive weight ( obesity )

Prevention

The best way to prevent a fracture of the humerus is to protect your upper arm during contact sports or activities. If you play a contact sport it is important to wear proper equipment that is made for that sport and designed to protect your upper arm. It is also important to know the proper technique for your sport or activity such as in martial arts it is important to know how to fall properly. As always it is key to be healthy in order to prevent injury so a proper strength and flexibility program for your sport or activity will go along way in preventing a fracture of the humerus from happening to you.

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