
Similarly, if you have a distal humerus fracture that means your bone is broken at the bottom, closer to your elbow. So, if you have a proximal humerus fracture, your upper arm bone is broken near its top - the end that connects to your shoulder. The proximal end of your humerus is the top. Location (proximal and distal): Proximal and distal are words that describe where a fracture is located along your bone’s length.There are lots of terms providers use to talk about specific bones, but the most common ones you’ll hear are: Your provider might reference where on your humerus you experienced a fracture.

Displaced fractures are much more likely to require surgery to repair. Non-displaced fractures are still broken bones, but the pieces weren’t moved far enough during the break to be out of alignment. A displaced fracture means the pieces of your bone moved so much that a gap formed around the fracture when your bone broke. Displaced humerus fracturesĭisplaced or non-displaced are more words your provider will use to describe your fracture. Closed fractures are still serious, but your bone doesn’t push through your skin. Open fractures usually take longer to heal and have an increased risk of infections and other complications. If you have an open fracture your bone breaks through your skin. Your healthcare provider will classify your fracture as either open or closed.

Your provider will diagnose and treat a supracondylar fracture like any other broken bone. Supracondylar humerus fractures are usually caused by a child catching themselves from a fall with their arm stretched out in front of them. This is a type of elbow fracture that almost always affects kids. If you break your humerus right above your elbow, you might have what’s called a supracondylar fracture. Some types of fractures are classified by how they happen: Some fractures are classified by the shape or pattern of the break line: Your healthcare provider will assign your fracture a type or classification depending on how your humerus is broken. You’ll need physical therapy to regain your ability to move your arm. Some people can recover without surgery and only need a splint, cast or sling.

If you break your humerus, you might need surgery to repair your bone. Humerus fractures are usually caused by traumas like car accidents or falls. What are humerus fractures?Ī humerus fracture is the medical name for breaking the bone in your upper arm (your humerus). Most humerus fractures happen where the humerus meets the shoulder.
