Humerus, Orthopedics FAQ

Managing 3-Part Proximal Humerus Fractures Without Surgery

Three-part proximal humeral fracture with instability? The attending physician mentioned that surgery may not be necessary, which could allow for earlier rehabilitation. Currently, I am using a sling for immobilization, but the muscles often feel sore due to prolonged fixation. O...

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
For a 3-part fracture of the proximal humerus with instability, surgical internal fixation with a plate is still recommended. Only with perfect fracture reduction and stable internal fixation can we allow joint mobility to avoid future limitations in left shoulder movement. Thank...

Understanding Humerus Shaft Fractures: Recovery and Range of Motion Concerns

Fracture of the left humeral shaft? Hello doctor, I am a professional athlete in martial arts. On July 24, 2016, I sustained a diaphyseal fracture of the left humerus during a competition, and I underwent surgery on August 3, 2016. The surgical procedure involved internal fixatio...

Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
It has been 6 weeks since the humeral fracture surgery, and the fracture should be stable by now. After the removal of the cast, hand rehabilitation (such as fist clenching and finger extension) should be initiated as soon as possible. Since the cast has been removed, rehabilitat...

Understanding Humerus Injuries: Symptoms, Recovery, and Risks of Re-injury

Humerus injury, sports injury? Hello Doctor, at the beginning of this year, I experienced pain in my right upper arm while playing basketball, so I went to the hospital for an X-ray. The doctor informed me that there was a fracture in my humerus and advised me to refrain from usi...

Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
Overtraining can lead to stress fractures, which are quite common. If symptoms occur, it is essential to rest and consult your primary care physician for evaluation to avoid delaying treatment.

Post-Surgery Recovery: Concerns After Clavicle Dislocation Surgery

Postoperative care for acromioclavicular joint dislocation? Hello Dr. Hong, I underwent surgery on April 8th to have a hook plate inserted, and I have been using a sling since then. During my follow-up appointment on June 7th, the doctor said that I could move my shoulder freely ...

Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
It has been over two months since the acromioclavicular joint surgery, and rehabilitation exercises should be able to begin, but they must be progressive. It is important to consult in detail with the attending physician.

Understanding Bone Graft Options for Non-Healing Fractures After Injury

Bone marrow concerns? I suffered a left humeral fracture, an open fracture of the left ulna, and a proximal left femur fracture due to a car accident. However, it has been a year, and the left humerus has not healed. Is there a need for bone grafting? If I undergo bone grafting, ...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
A humeral fracture that does not heal may require bone grafting surgery. The bone marrow you mentioned is likely referring to platelet-rich plasma (PRP), but its effectiveness is uncertain.

Understanding Humerus Fractures: When to Seek Further Medical Advice

Humeral fracture I have a fracture in my left humerus, and the orthopedic doctor at Far Eastern Memorial Hospital advised me to use a triangular sling for six weeks. However, I am still experiencing significant pain from the injury, and I also feel pain when moving my left thumb....

Dr. Xie Hongjia Reply:
For a humeral fracture that does not require surgery, it is important to use a sling for protection. However, regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor for any displacement and the healing progress, which will help determine the severity of the injury and the next s...

Understanding Shoulder Dislocation and Greater Tuberosity Fracture Recovery

Right shoulder dislocation with greater tuberosity fracture of the humerus? Hello! A 64-year-old man was involved in a motorcycle accident on the evening of April 14. After X-rays and a CT scan, he was diagnosed with a right shoulder dislocation accompanied by a greater tuberosit...

Dr. Ye Qingnian Reply:
Please return for a follow-up appointment with the orthopedic department as soon as possible.

Understanding Nerve Injury Risks and Rehabilitation After Orthopedic Surgery

Nerve injury and rehabilitation issues? Hello, I fractured my left humerus around October of the year before last and had a steel plate inserted. The doctor suggested that after about a year of stability, I could undergo surgery to remove it. I read that there is a risk of nerve ...

Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
Hello: A distal humeral fracture should have stabilized and healed after one year. The removal of the plates and screws should be relatively straightforward, but care must be taken to avoid nerve injury. It is recommended to protect the area for 4-6 weeks postoperatively, but thi...

Understanding Fracture Recovery: Your Questions Answered

Fracture cast I am a third-year junior high school student, and I have an exam in two months. I'm really afraid of pain, and I want to know approximately when I will be fully healed. (It's really inconvenient to use just one hand QAQ). Also, why did they remove my cast ...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
It is unclear whether the fracture is in the humerus (the bone of the upper arm), the shoulder joint, or the elbow joint. Pain is a normal occurrence after surgery, and there may not be a need for a cast if internal fixation is deemed sufficient by the physician. Your hand's...

Understanding Plate Removal Surgery for Distal Humerus Fractures

Surgical removal of a plate for a distal humeral fracture? Hello, my husband (31 years old) suffered a comminuted fracture of the left humerus in a car accident at the end of July last year. After evaluation, he opted for self-funded plate fixation, but his recovery has been slow...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Although the surgery is minor, it is still a type of surgery. The radial nerve runs near the distal humerus, so the procedure must be performed with caution. It is advisable to have someone accompany you, and you should avoid strenuous activities for three months post-surgery.

Understanding the Risks and Recovery of Left Humerus Fracture Surgery

Old injury: comminuted fracture of the left humeral joint? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing physical discomfort due to work and am considering surgery. About eight years ago, I suffered a comminuted fracture of the left humeral joint in a car accident. I underwent surgery a...

Dr. Xie Hongjia Reply:
Hello: Since I am unable to see your recovery status and X-ray images, I cannot assess your healing condition. I recommend that you visit another hospital for a physician to evaluate and provide you with advice. Thank you.

Managing Persistent Pain After Bilateral Humerus Fractures: A Patient's Dilemma

Bilateral humeral fractures from a car accident? A year ago, I had a car accident that resulted in bilateral humeral fractures. The right arm was more severely affected with a mild comminuted fracture, and both arms were fitted with alloy steel plates. During follow-up visits, th...

Dr. Huang Minxu Reply:
Hello: If there is a suspicion of nerve involvement, you can consult either orthopedics or neurology to assess whether an electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction study (NCS) are necessary. Further evaluation will depend on the test results. After a humeral fracture surgery, i...

Is It Safe to Remove Bone Plates After Four Years of Humerus Fracture?

Removal of fracture fixation plates and screws? Is it appropriate to remove the steel plate and screws from a right humeral fracture that occurred four years ago?

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If there is no discomfort in the area, it is possible not to remove the hardware. If removal is necessary, it is important to ensure that the fracture has healed. Additionally, when removing the bone screws at the surgical site, care must be taken regarding the course of the nerv...

Understanding Humeral Nail Protrusion and Nerve Injury Risks

Humeral nail Hello, I had a distal humerus fracture in my right arm last March and had a steel nail implanted. I would like to know if it is normal for the nail to protrude at the joint area and be palpable. Also, if it is removed, is it true that it could damage the nerves and l...

Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, the radial nerve is a very sensitive nerve that is often affected during humeral fractures or surgeries. Even slight traction can lead to wrist drop. Fortunately, the majority of wrist drop cases are temporary and will resolve spontaneously within approximately three month...

Can a Previous Humerus Fracture Re-Injure After Surgery?

Left humeral diaphysis fracture? Hello, I had a humeral shaft fracture in my left arm from a car accident last year, and I underwent surgery at the end of December. In January, when I squatted down, I lost my balance and fell to the left, using my left palm to support myself. At ...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If there is a possibility of displacement in the area that may have fractured or if there are new fractures, it is best to go to the hospital for an X-ray to ensure that the bones are not compromised.

Can I Serve in the Military After a Rotational Humerus Fracture?

Fracture during military service? I am currently a senior in college. During my sophomore year, I sustained a rotational fracture of the right humerus due to excessive force while throwing a softball. At that time, I had steel pins and plates inserted for stabilization, but they ...

Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
As long as the functions are normal, one can still serve in the military.

Should You Remove Steel Pins After Humerus Fracture Healing?

After a humeral fracture has healed, is it necessary to remove the metal pins? After the car accident, I fractured my right humerus. After being stabilized with six screws and one plate for over a year, I want to have the screws removed. My attending physician said it may not be ...

Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: Considering the risks associated with surgery, I also recommend that it may not be necessary to remove it, as scarring in the surrounding soft tissue after surgery can increase the likelihood of nerve injury. If nerve damage occurs, the potential for long-term complication...

Can I Perform CPR After Humerus Fracture Surgery with Plate?

A humeral fracture is treated with internal fixation using a plate and seven screws? I have a humeral fracture and underwent surgery last November. By March 4th, the bone has healed, and I have started rehabilitation. However, the plate has not yet reached the time for removal. I...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
A humeral fracture typically takes about three months to heal, but to achieve a stable recovery, it may require around six months. During this period, excessive force can lead to re-fracture, so caution is necessary. The plate serves only to stabilize the fracture site, allowing ...

Understanding Rehabilitation Challenges After Humerus Fracture Surgery

Rehabilitation Issues for Distal Humerus Fractures Doctor, I'm here to ask again. I have a humeral fracture that was stabilized with a dynamic brace. After the surgery, I started moving, but my arm still won't straighten out. If you say rehabilitation will improve my ex...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Your question pertains to the range of motion. A normal elbow joint can fully extend. When flexed, the forearm muscles can approximately touch the anterior muscles of the upper arm. The total angle of extension plus flexion should be over 120 degrees. The so-called internal and e...

Understanding Persistent Elbow Deformity After Open Humerus Fracture Surgery

Open fracture of the distal humerus with inability to fully extend the arm? On August 10, 2013, I was involved in a car accident that resulted in an open fracture of the humerus. The first surgery was very successful, and I was able to extend my arm straight. However, three month...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Distal humeral fractures near the elbow joint can sometimes affect the range of motion of the elbow. Generally, immobilization of the elbow should not exceed six weeks, as prolonged immobilization can lead to contractures, making it difficult to fully extend the elbow. Under norm...

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