What happens if the surgical neck of humerus?
This type of fracture takes place when the humerus is forced in one direction while the joint capsule and the rotator cuff muscles remain intact. A fracture in this area is most likely to cause damage to the axillary nerve and posterior circumflex humeral artery.
How is a surgical neck fracture of the humerus treated?
Fixation with percutaneous techniques, intramedullary nails, locking plates, and arthroplasty are all acceptable treatment options. With internal fixation, special attention should be paid to medial comminution, varus angulation, and restoration of the calcar.
What is an impacted fracture of the humerus?
Impacted valgus fractures of the proximal humerus are considered to be a special type fracture, since impaction of the humeral head on the metaphysis with maintenance of the posteromedial periosteum improves the prognosis regarding occurrences of avascular necrosis.
Why is the surgical neck of the humerus more likely to fracture?
The brachial artery is also rarely injured. Avascular necrosis of the humeral head: this is more common in complex fractures with multiple fragments where interruption to the blood supply is more likely and in fractures of the surgical neck.
What structures are affected if fracture occurs at the surgical neck?
Displaced fractures of the surgical neck may injure the brachial plexus or axillary artery because these structures lie immediately anterior to the humeral head and surgical neck.
What muscles attach to surgical neck of humerus?
The axillary nerve, formed from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus, wraps around the surgical neck of the humerus, and provides innervation to the deltoid and rotator cuff muscles, specifically the teres minor.
Why is it called surgical neck of humerus?
As well as its true anatomical neck, the constriction below the greater and lesser tubercles of the humerus is referred to as its surgical neck due to its tendency to fracture, thus often becoming the focus of surgeons.
How is an impacted fracture treated?
Treatment Options for Impaction Fractures Treating an impaction fraction involves more than simply wearing a cast or splint. Surgery is often needed in order to separate the two fragments of bone. Pins, rods, or other surgical hardware may be used to provide support and keep the two fragments separated.
Why surgical neck of humerus is clinically important?
It is a clinically important anatomical feature of the humerus as it is the most frequently fractured site of the proximal humerus, putting the axillary nerve and posterior circumflex humeral branch of the axillary artery at risk.
How painful is a humerus fracture?
Humerus fractures cause severe pain and swelling. It may be very difficult for you to move your upper arm. If the nerves are affected, you may experience unusual sensations in the hand and weakness in your hand and wrist.
What muscle attaches to surgical neck of humerus?
The subscapularis muscle attaches at this tubercle and the transverse ligament of the shoulder also attaches on its lateral part.
Does impacted fracture need surgery?
Often, this can be accomplished by immobilizing the bone for several months with the help of a cast and splint. The more severe the fracture is, the more likely it is that surgery will be recommended.
How serious is an impacted fracture?
An impacted fracture occurs when two pieces of a fractured bone are driven into each other. Because it involves more than a break in the bone, it is more serious than a simple fracture. It takes a significant amount of force to drive two fragments of a fractured bone together.
What is the treatment for an impacted fracture?
How long does an impacted fracture take to heal?
Most fractures heal in 6-8 weeks, but this varies tremendously from bone to bone and in each person based on many of the factors discussed above. Hand and wrist fractures often heal in 4-6 weeks whereas a tibia fracture may take 20 weeks or more.
How do you fix an impacted fracture?
Is a humerus fracture serious?
Usually, people who experience humerus fractures are involved in a serious trauma like a car accident. Even if you need surgery to repair your bone, you should expect to make a full recovery after a humerus fracture.