Fractures of Proximal Humerus Fractures of the Shaft of Humerus

Parts of fracture :
Fractures of the proximal humerus usually occur after middle AO Classification of Humeral Diaphyseal Fractures
age & most of the patients are osteoporotic, postmenopausal
1 shaft of humerus
2 head of humerus
women.
3 greater tuberosity
4 lesser tuberosity
Mechanism of injury:
- Fracture usually follows a fall on the out-stretched
out arm ( The
A part is displaced if type of injury which, in younger people, might cause dislocation of the
>1cm
1cm of displacement shoulder)
or >45
45 degree of - Sometimes, a fracture-dislocation
dislocation occurs.
angulation
Treatment Type A: Simple fracture Type B: Wedge fracture Type C: Complex fracture
Neer's classification It distinguishes between the number of displaced fragments A1: Spiral B1: Spiral wedge C1: Spiral
One--part fracture: the fragments are undisplaced A2: Oblique ((>30°) B2: Bending wedge C2: Segmented
1- Immobilzation : Arm in a sling (for a week or two) until the pain subsides, A3: Transverse ((<30°) B3: Fragmented wedge C3: Irregular (significant comminution)
2- Rehabilitation : Mechanism of injury : - A fall on the hand may twist the humerus, causing a spiral fracture.
- sive movements of the shoulder. - Once the fracture has united (usually after 6 weeks), active exercises.
Gentle passive - A fall on the elbow with the arm abducted exerts a bending force, resulting in an oblique or transverse fracture.
Two-part fracture: one segment is separated from the others ( The neck fracture is displaced ) - A direct blow to the arm causes a fracture which is either transverse or comminuted.
Surgical neck fractures Greater tuberosity fractures Anatomical neck fractures - Fracture of the shaft in an elderly patient may be due to a metastasis.(pathological )
A) Conservative Fracture of the greater tuberosity is often In young patients:
patients Conservative Surgical
1- Closed Reduction : associated with anterior dislocation. the fracture should be fixed with a screw. - Fractures of the humerus heal readily. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF)
The fragments are gently manipulated
- They require neither perfect reduction nor
into alignment A) Conservative : In older patients: Indications for surgery:
2- Immobilization : If shoulder is relocated it reduces to a immobilization
immobilization, the weight of the arm with an external
hemiarthroplasty is preferable because of 1. severe multiple injuries.
in a sling for about four weeks or until good position cast is enough to pull the fragments into alignment.
the high risk of avascular necrosis of the 2. an open fracture.
the fracture feels stable humeral head. In Oblique & Spiral fractures : 3. segmental fractures.
3- Rehabilitation : B) Surgical :
• A hanging cast
cast, is applied from shoulder to wrist with 4. displaced intra-articular
articular extension of the fracture
Elbow & hand exercises. If it does not reduce, the fragment can
B) Surgical: be re-attached through : the elbow flexed 90 degrees, and the forearm secAon 5. pathological fracture.
Indication : - a small incision with interosseous sutures is suspended by a sling around the patient’s neck. 6. floating elbow (simultaneous unstable humeral and
1- the fracture cannot be reduced closed - in young hard bone, cancellous screws. • Rehabilitation : forearm fractures).
2- fracture is unstable after closed reduction, - Pendulum exercises of the shoulder are begun 7. radial nerve palsy after manipulation.
Fixation options : within a week, 8. non-union.
percutaneous pins, bone sutures,
- Active
ctive abduction is postponed until the fracture
locked intramedullary nail, plate fixation
has united (about 6 weeks for spiral fractures. Fixation can be achieved with :
Three-part fracture: four-part
part fracture:
fracture - The wrist and fingers are exercised from start.
two fragments are displaced, all the major parts are displaced 1) Compression plate and screws.
( In addition to neck fracture, one tuberosity is fractured is displaced ) ( In addition to neck fracture, both tuberosities are fractured & displaced ) In transverse fractures : 2) Interlocking intramedullary nail .
Usually
sually involve displacement of the surgical n
neck and the Carries risks of incomplete reduction, nonunion & avascular necrosis of • Coaptation splint , for 7-10 days followed by 3) External fixator
greater tuberosity. the humeral head. Functional brace.
External fixation may be the best option for high
In young patients an attempt should be made at reconstruction. • U-shaped
shaped slab.
TTT ORIF with plate & screws. In older patients Hemiarthoplasty . energy segmental fractures and open fractures.
• Cast
Fractures of The Distal Humerus in Children Fractures of The Distal Humerus
H in Adults
A) Supracondylar fractures (These are among the commonest fractures in children) Mechanism of injury : Fractures around the elbow in adults – especially those of the distal humerus – are often high-
The distal fragment may be displaced either posteriorly (extention type) or anteriorly (flextion type) energy injuries which are associated with vascular and nerve damage.

Posterior angulation or displacement Anterior angulation or displacement The AO

AO-ASIF
ASIF Group have defined three types of distal humeral fracture:
95% commonest 5% rare Extra-articula Type A – Supracondylar fracture.
Suggests
uggests a hyperextension injury, usually due to : Due
ue to direct violence (e.g. a fall on the point of the - Supracondylar fractures are rare in adults.
fall on the outstretched hand. elbow) with the joint in flexion. - When they do occur , they are usually displaced and unstable or comminuted (high energy injuries) .
The humerus breaks just above the condyles.
Treatment: ORIF is the treatment of choice A simple transverse or oblique fracture,
fracture fixed with plates & screws.
Distal fragment is :
A comminuted fractures,
fractures fixed with double plates & transfixing screws
- Displaced posteriorly by triceps Distal fragment is :
- displaced anteriorly by biceps or beachialis. Intra-articular Type B – Unicondylar fracture / Type C – Bicondylar
icondylar fractures with varying degrees of comminution.
- Twisted inward , because forearm is usually in
pronation. Milch Classification Except in osteoporotic individuals, intra-articular
articular condylar
Proximal fragment : fractures should be regarded as high-energy
energy injuries with soft-
- Pokes
okes into the soft tissues anteriorly, Two types for medial & lateral; the key is the lateral tissue damage.(do N.V evaluation)
- sometimes injuring the : brachial artery or trochlear ridge :
median nerve. Type I: Lateral trochlear ridge is left intact. Mechanism of injury :
Type II: Lateral trochlea
trochlear ridge is part of the condylar - A severe blow on the point of the elbow drives the
Classification
olecranon process upwards, splitting the condyles apart.
fragment (medial or lateral).
X-Ray:
- The fracture extends from the lower humerus into the
elbow joint
- There is often also comminution of the bone between the
condyles.
- Sometimeses the fracture extends into the metaphysis as a
T- or Yshaped break, or else there may be multiple
fragments (comminution) .
X-rays
rays showing supracondylar fractures of increasing severity.
(a) Undisplaced. (b) Distal fragment posteriorly angulated but in contact. (c) Distal fragment completely separated and displaced posteriorly.
Treatment
(d) A rarer variety with anterior angulation. 1- Undisplaced fractures:
Type I : is an undisplaced fracture. Conservative :
Type II : is an angulated fracture with the posterior cortex still in continuity. - Posterior slab with the elbow flexed almost 90 degrees
IIA – less severe injury with the distal fragment merely angulated. - Movements nts are commenced after 2 weeks (N.B movement after obtaining x-ray
x ray to exclude late displacement.
IIB – severe injury; the fragment is both angulated & malrotated. 2- Displaced
Type III is a completely displaced fracture Surgical : ORIF , through is the treatment of choice.
(although the posterior periosteum is usually still preserved, which will assist surgical reduction). Procedure :
X-ray Clinical Features - Good exposure obtained by performing an intra-articular
articular olecranon osteotomy.
osteotomy
A) Seen most ost clearly in the lateral view : History: Following a fall - The ulnar nerve should be identified and protected throughout.
In an undisplaced fracture: Symptoms: - The fragments are reduced and held temporarily with K-wires.
- The ‘fat pad sign’ should raise suspicions: - pain & elbow is swollen. • Unicondylar
nicondylar fracture :
there is a triangular lucency in front of the distal - with a posteriorly displaced fracture the S-shape - If without comminution can be fixed with screws.
humerus, due to the fat pad being pushed deformity of the elbow is usually obvious - If the fragment is large a contoured plate is added to prevent re-displacement.
forwards by a haematoma. • Bicondylar fractures and comminuted fractures
- bony landmarks are abnormal.
In the posteriorly displaced fracture : - double plates & screws fixation, may with bone grafts in gap
- The fracture line runs obliquely downwards and - passive extension of the flexor muscles should
be pain-free. Postoperatively :
forwards and - Immobilization the elbow is held at 90 degrees with the arm supported in a sling.
- The distal fragment is tilted backwards and/or - Neuro-Vascular
Vascular evaluation especially for:
- Rehabilitation Movement is encouraged but should never be forced.
shifted backwards. • Brachial artery risk of acute ischemia
B) An anteroposterior view : • Median nerve injury - Fracture healing usually occurs by 12 weeks.
- It may show that the distal fragment is shifted
or tilted sideways, and rotated (usually medially). B) Fracture- separation of lateral condyle
- Measurement of Baumann’s angle is useful in - The child falls with elbow stressed in varus,
assessing the degree of medial angula
lation - a large fragment including the lateral condyle can be avulsed by the
before and after reduction. attached wrist extensors.
Treatment • Undisplaced fractures splinting the elbow for 2 weeks, then exercise
1- Undisplaced fractures • Displaced fractures :
Source: Apley's System of Orthopedics - Closed reduction by manipulation
The elbow is immobilized at 90 degrees in a cast , and arm is supported in a sling.
If fails, ORIF with : a screw or K wires for 3-4
4 weeks, in cast .
2- Posteriorly angulated & displaced fractures ( Closed reduction & fixation ) C) Separation of medial epicondylary apophysis
a b c d The fracture can be reduced under general anaesthesia by the following manoeuvre: - If the wrist is forced into extention, the medial apicondylar apophysis
(a) The uninjured arm is examined first
(b) Traction for 2–3 minutes in the length of the arm with counter-traction
counter above the elbow;
is avulsed by the attached wrist flexors;
(c) correction
n of any sideways tilt or shift (d) correction of rotation (both corrections in comparison with the other arm); - If the elbow opens up on that side, the epicondylar fragment may be
(e) Correction of posterior tilt : gradual flexion of the
the elbow to 120 degrees, and pronaAon of the fore
forearm, while maintaining traction pulled into the joint.
and exerting finger pressure behind the distal fragment to correct posterior tilt.
(f) Then feel the pulse and check the capillary return – if the distal circulation is suspect, immediately relax the amount of elbow
• Minor displacement Splinting the elbow for 2 weeks
e f g h i flexion until it improves. • Markedly displaced Sutured back in position
Elbow is kept well flexed while x-ray
ray films are taken: • If it's trapped :
- confirm reduction,
- checking carefully to see that there is no varus or valgus angulation and no rotational deformity - Manipulation with elbow in valgus and the wrist
• If : the acutely flexed position cannot be maintained without disturbing the circulation, or if the reduction is unstable, (and mo
most of hyperextended (to pull the flexor muscles)
these fractures are unstable!) the fracture should be fixed with percutaneous crossed K-wires . - If fails , joint is opened and fragment retrieved.
In post. displaced fractures : (g,h,i) Following reduction, - the arm is held in a collar & cuff;
- the circulaAon should be checked repeatedly during the first 24 hours
D) Fracture-separation
Fracture of the entire distal humeral epiphysis
Fracture is reduced by the method described & then held with
percutaneous crossed K-wires . (post operative
ive is the same as angulated) - An x-ray i obtained aCer 3– 5 days to confirm that the fracture has not slipped.
ray is ccurs wi
- Occurs with severe violence, such as a birth injury ry or chil
child abuse
- The
he splint is retained for 3 weeks, aCer which movements are begun.
egun.
• Thehe injury is treated like a supracondylar fracture
The fra
fracture is reduced by : pulling on the forearm
rearm with
w the elbow semi-flexed, applying thumb
umb pres
pressure over the frot of the • Iff diagnosis
diagnos uncertain, elbow is splinted in flexAon n for 2 weeks.
w
3- Ant. Displaced fractures
distal ffragment and then exend the elbow fully. Then, posterior slab is bandaged for 3 weeks.
 Fractures around elbow – Fractures of forearm
Fracture Mechanism of injury Treatment
Conservative Surgical
Uncomplicated dislocation : Fracture- dislocation :
1- Post. or posto-laterally (90%):
Closed reduction ( manipulation ) Associated fractures of humeral condyles or epicondyles
epicondyl or the
- Fall on outstretched hand while elbow in
- Patient fully relaxed under anaesthesia. olecranon process, need:
mild flexion.
Elbow dislocation 2- Ant. Dislocation :
- Pulls on the forearm while the elbow is slightly flexed
Internal fixation
- With one hand, sideways displacement is corrected
- Direct trauma to elbow
then the elbow is further flexed while the olecranon
- Ulna migrates forward with associated
process is pushed forward.
fracture of olecranon ( fracture dislocation)
- X-ray confirms the reduction
What has happened is that the radius has been pulled
In young children : distally and the orbicular ligament has slipped up over the
Pulled elbow The elbow is some times injured by a sharp tug head of radius.
on the wrist TTT:
Forcefully supinating and then flexing the elbow; the
ligament slips back with a snap.

Head of the radius 1- A fall on the outstretched hand with the An undisplaced split (Type I): A single large fragment (Type II):
elbow extended and the forearm If displaced ORIF with small headless screws.
In children: pronated causes impaction
tion of the radial - Pain relief by aspirating the haematoma and injecting
Fracture is through neck & radial head against the capitulum. local anaesthetic. A comminuted fracture (Type III) :
head tilt. - The arm is held in a collar and cuff for 3 weeks. 1- Radial head excision , or
2- Sometimes fractured during elbow - active flexion, extension and rotation are encouraged. 2- Reconstruction of radial head ,
In Adults - If associated with forearm injuries
Type I An undisplaced vertical split in head dislocation.
Type II A displaced single fragment of head - If disruption of distal radio-ulnar
radio joint.
Type III The head broken into several - associated soft tissue injury:
fragments (comminuted). Rupture of the medial collateral ligament.
Type IV fractures with an associated elbow
dislocation. Rupture of the interosseous membrane
A comminuted fracture , with intact triceps : Displaced transverse fractures :
Two broad types of injury are seen: Reduction & Fixation by :
Olecranon process - The arm is rested in a sling for a week
1- tension band wiring.
- x-ray
ray is to ensure that there is no displacement
(1) a comminuted fracture: - then exercises are begun. 2- If fails rigid internal fixation & bone grafting.
3 types : due to a direct blow or a fall on elbow..
Displaced comminuted fractures :
An undisplaced transverse fracture fracture, that does not
Type I: comminuted Rigid internal fixation and bone grafting
ting
(2) a transverse fracture : separate when the elbow is x-rayed rayed in flexion :
Types II: undisplaced transverse In the osteoporotic bone of elderly patients:
due to traction when the patient falls onto the - The elbow is immobilized by a cast in about 60 degrees
Type III: Displaced transverse good results can be achieved with :
hand while the triceps muscle is contracted. of flexion for 2–3 weeks
- then exercises are begun. excision of fragments & re-attachment of triceps to ulna.
CHILDREN ADULTS ORIF
- A twisting force (usually a fall on the hand) A) Conservative : Closed reduction + Full Full-length cast
Unless the fragments are in close apposition, reduction is difficult
produces a spiral fracture with the bones 1- Reduction :
and re-displacement
displacement in the cast almost invariable. So preferred
broken at different levels. - In children, closed reduction ,because tough periosteum
line is open reduction and internal fixation
- An angulating force causes a transverse 2- Immobilization :
fracture of both bones at the same level. - Full-length cast, from axilla to metacarpal shafts (to 1- Reduction : Open reduction
Fracture radius & Ulna - Rotation deformity & displacement may be control rotation).
2- Fixation : Internal fixation with plates and screws.
produced by the pull of muscles attached to - The cast is applied with the elbow at 90 degrees.
• If the fracture is proximal to pronator teres, forearm is supinated; 3- Healing:
the radius:
• if it is distal to pronator teres, then the forearm is held in neutral. - Bone grafting if there is comminution.
they are the biceps & supinator muscles to
- The position is checked by x-ray after a week, if it is - Deep
eep fascia is left open to prevent a build-up
build up of pressure in
the upper third, the pronator teres to the
satisfactory splintage is retained until both the muscle compartments, and only the skin is sutured.
middle third, and the pronator quadratus
fractures are united (usually 6–8 weeks).
to the lower third. 4- Rehabilitation
3- Rehabilitation :
- After Operation the arm is kept elevated until the swelling
- shoulder exercises are encouraged.
subsides,
B) Operation : indicated if : - During
uring this period active exercises of the hand encouraged.
en
- the fracture cannot be reduced or unstable. - It takes 8–12 weeks for the bones to unite.
Fixation with :
1- intramedullary nails is preferred,
2- plate & screws or
3- K-wire
wire fixation can be used.
Fracture of the radius alone is very rare and Isolated fracture of the ulna Isolated fracture of the radius:
Fracture of the ulna alone is uncommon.
They are important for : The fracture is rarely displaced
displaced; Radius fractures are prone to rotary displacement;
Fractures of single An associated dislocation may be undiagnosed, so , internal fixation with :
1- Forearm brace may be sufficient.
forearm bone - if only one forearm bone is broken along its However, it takes about 8 weeks before full acAvity - Compression
ompression plate & screws in adults
shaft and there is displacement and deformity can be resumed. - Intramedullary
ntramedullary nails in children
or shortening of one bone , here either:
either
2- Rigid internal fixation will allow : With rigid fixation early movement is encouraged.
• Proximal radio-ulnar joint dislocation or - earlier activity and
• Distal radio-ulnar
lnar joint must be dislocated. non-union.
- avoids the risk of displacement or non
Usually the cause is a fall on the hand and The key to successful treatment is to restore the length of the fractured
MONTEGGIA forced pronation of the forearm. ulna,, only then can the dislocated joint be fully reduced and remain stable.
Fracture-Dislocation of - The radial head dislocates forwards &
- The upper third of the ulna fractures and In adults: ORIF
Ulna bows forwards. 1- Reduction
- The ulnar fracture must be accurately reduced.
reduced
Previous definition : • If the ulnar shaft fracture is angulated with
- It was defined as fracture of the the apex anterior (the commonest types) 2- Fixation
shaft of the ulna associated with - then fixed with a plate and screws
then the radial head is displaced anteriorly
anteriorl
dislocation of the proximal radio-
ulnar joint • If the fracture apex is posterior,, the radial The radial head usually reduces once the ulna has been fixed.
Nowaday definition : dislocation is posterior (flextion type)
recently , it is defined as fracture of
the ulna associated with : • If the fracture apex is lateral then the radial 3- Rehabilitation
- dislocation of the radio-capitellar head is displaced laterally. - If the elbow is completely stable,
stable then flexion–– extension &
joint, including trans-olecranon rotation can be started after very soon after surgery.
fractures and doubt then the arm should be immobilized in
- If there is doubt,
- radial head dislocation in which plaster with the elbow flexed for 6 weeks.
the proximal radioulnar joint
remains intact.
GALEAZZI The usual cause is a fall on the hand; probably As with the Monteggia fracture , the important step is to
In adults ORIF with compression plating of the radius.
with a superimposed rotation force. restore the length of the fractures bone.
Fracture-Dislocation of The radius fractures in its lower third & - X-ray
ray : to ensure distal radio-ulnar
ulnar joint is reduced & stable.
Radius ulnar joint subluxates or dislocates. In children Closed Reduction is often successful.
inferior radio-ulnar - If it's reduced BUT unstable :
Definition : radio-ulnar joint is fixed with K wire,, and the forearm
Injury is a fracture of the distal third is splinted in an above-elbow
above cast for 6 weeks.
of the radius AND dislocation or
subluxation of the distal radio-ulnar
joint.

Deformity:
Instability of radio-ulnar joint by
"ballotting" the distal end of ulna
(piano-key sign) Source: Apley's System of Orthopedics
Orth