Humerus shaft fracture (peds)

This page is for pediatric patients. For adult patients, see: humerus shaft fracture

Background

  • Uncommon
    • Consider abuse
    • If low energy mechanism, also consider pathologic fracture
    • Direct trauma: transverse fracture
    • Violent rotation: spiral fracture
  • Fracture fragment may injure radial nerve
    • Assess wrist extensors/supinators
    • Sensation of dorsoradial hand, thumb, and second digits

Differential Diagnosis

Humerus Fractures

Humeral anatomy

Evaluation

  • AP lateral humerus, include shoulder and elbow views

Management

Non-Operative

  • Up to 30 degrees angulation is well tolerated

Operative

  • Open fractures
  • Ipsilateral forearm injury "Floating elbow"
  • Shoulder injury or poly trauma

Disposition

Non-emergent Ortho f/u

See Also

References

    • Harwood Nuss
    • Orthobullets
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