What is the pathophysiology of a humerus fracture?
Humerus fractures are caused by direct trauma to the arm or shoulder or by axial loading transmitted through the elbow. Attachments from pectoralis major, deltoid, and rotator cuff muscles influence the degree of displacement of proximal humerus fractures.
What is the significance of anatomical neck of humerus?
It represents the fused epiphyseal plate. It is best marked in the lower half of its circumference; in the upper half it is represented by a narrow groove separating the head of the humerus from the two tubercles, the greater tubercle and the lesser tubercle….
| Anatomical neck of humerus | |
|---|---|
| FMA | 23356 |
| Anatomical terms of bone |
What is the humeral neck fracture?
Fractures of the anatomical neck of the humerus are an extremely rare pathological entity in the field of orthopedic surgery. One of the most feared complications associated with anatomical neck fracture of the humerus is avascular necrosis (AVN).
What is anatomical neck of humerus?
The anatomical neck of the humerus is the residual epiphyseal plate. An intertubercular groove appears proximally, which demarcates the two tubercles vertically. Following the tubercles is the surgical neck of the humerus, a site commonly susceptible to fractures.
What is the best treatment for a broken humerus?
A humerus shaft fracture may be treated with or without surgery, depending on the fracture pattern and associated injuries (i.e., nerve injury or open fracture). A temporary splint extending from the shoulder to the forearm and holding the elbow bent at 90 degrees can be used for initial management of the fracture.
How long does it take for a humerus bone to heal?
The humerus is the long bone in your upper arm. When broken, it needs specialized care so that you can cope with the problems it brings. It will take a minimum of 12 weeks to heal. Patients may be on pain relief medications for a longer duration.
Which neck of the humerus is more likely to fracture?
The surgical neck of the humerus is a constriction below the tubercles of the greater tubercle and lesser tubercle, and above the deltoid tuberosity. It is much more frequently fractured than the anatomical neck of the humerus.
What muscles attach to surgical neck of humerus?
Muscle Attachments
| Muscle | Attachment |
|---|---|
| Subscapularis | Lesser Tubercle |
| Pectoralis Major | Upper Part of the Anterior Border |
| Triceps Brachii | Lower Part of the Lateral Border Lateral Supracondylar Ridge |
| Brachioradialis | Lateral Supracondylar Ridge |
Which nerve is involved in fracture neck humerus?
A fracture in this area is most likely to cause damage to the axillary nerve and posterior circumflex humeral artery.
Why is the surgical neck of the humerus more likely to fracture?
As noted earlier, the surgical neck is the most frequent site of a humerus fracture in adults. Surgical neck fractures can result in abduction of the proximal fragment by the rotator cuff. Fractures between the pectoralis major and deltoid insertions result in adduction of the proximal fragment by the pectoralis.
What is the anatomical neck?
The anatomical neck, on the other end, is the classical distinction based on the centers of ossification and the insertion of the capsular ligament of the adjacent shoulder joint, which gives a greater weightage to its origin and to the anatomical relations (insertions, etc).
What is a two part surgical neck fracture?
Two-part surgical neck fractures are the most common type of proximal humerus fracture. Fracture deformity results from the pull of the pectoralis major on the humeral shaft anteriorly and medially. Three fracture patterns are observed based on displacement of the shaft: impacted, unimpacted, and comminuted .
What is a surgical neck of the humerus?
The surgical neck of the humerus is a constriction below the tubercles of the greater tubercle and lesser tubercle, and above the Deltoid Tuberosity. It is much more frequently fractured than the anatomical neck of the humerus.
What is a broken humerus?
A humerus fracture refers to any break in this bone. The pain from a humerus fracture often extends to either your shoulder or elbow, depending on where the break is, and recovery may last several weeks.