The human body has many limbs to perform various activities. Arms enable people to perform many actions such as holding, reaching and grabbing. For these actions to take place properly, the arms must be healthy. Upper arm fractures are a problem that temporarily stops the function of the arm.
The Anatomy of the Upper Arm
The upper arm, located between the shoulder and elbow, has a bone called the humerus. The humerus must be intact for the correct functioning of shoulder-oriented or hand-oriented movements of the arm. But it is also a bone, even though it is protected on both sides by muscles. When it is hit hard, there is a risk of it cracking or even breaking.
The Seriousness of Upper Arm Fractures
When the humerus bone is hit and fractured, the impact of this fracture is greater than a fracture in the lower part of the arm. This is because it is the starting point where the muscle and vascular ligaments of the limb pass. In addition, its proximity to the shoulder makes fractures in the upper arm more serious.
The Importance of Consulting a Doctor
It is essential to consult a doctor to treat these fractures. A doctor who specializes in orthopedics can make a definitive diagnosis of the fracture. But for this, he or she will use X-rays and, if necessary, CT or MRI scans. These tests reveal how severe the fracture is.
Types of Fractures and Initial Treatments
There are simple fractures in which the person experiences pain. If the bone cracks or breaks in one place, it can cause pain, but it is not very severe. But if the bone breaks at more than one point, it causes very intense pain. For this, first of all, the patient is temporarily given ice therapy.
Treatment Options for Different Age Groups
If the fracture is in childhood, the treatment applied for union is a plaster cast. However, if the upper arm fractures are in adults, surgery is required. In some shoulder fractures, it is very difficult for the bone to regain its integrity because it is very fragmented, so treatment is performed with metal alloy prostheses.
The Role of Nerve Health in Fracture Treatment
There is another important factor to be considered during fracture treatment. Whether the nerves in the arm are damaged or not should be determined before the fracture. The fracture treatment starts after making sure that the muscle and nerve health of the arm is ensured.
The Process After Surgery for Fracture
The aim of surgery is to repair the damage to the arm. The process following the surgical procedures to restore the arm that has lost its functions due to the fracture is also important. Upper arm fractures limit the movements of the arm from shoulder to elbow and from elbow to hand.
The Importance of Physical Therapy Post-Surgery
After the surgery for the fracture, appropriate physical therapy is planned to prevent the limitation of movement of the elbow and shoulder joint.
The Necessity of Medical Consultation for Fractures
It is necessary to consult an orthopedic surgeon for the treatment of upper arm fractures caused by traffic, sports accidents and hard falls. Fractures are not a problem that will go away on its own. Therefore, a doctor’s examination is essential.