What is Humerus?
A humerus is also defined as a long bone that is present in the upper limb or forelimb of the land vertebrae. It joins the shoulder joint where it gets prominence with a lateral depression of the shoulder blade and the elbows joint below where it is connected with the projections in the ulna and radius. The humor bone is the foundation of several muscle inserts like the pectoralis major, deltoid, and others. Since the humerus connects the shoulder with rotational joints it is held pivotal for arm movement and function. Typically, it is the longest bone present in the human body.
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Meaning of a Fractured Humerus
The fractured humerus signifies the breakage of the humerus bone in the upper arm. A broken arm injury is a very common phenomenon that results from the consequential falling of an outstretched hand, slippage, car accidents, or maybe any other type of mishaps. This reduces the ability to move an arm and the person may result in holding their elbows. The common symptoms involve swelling, bruising, and paining. The proper way of diagnosing the problem is usually done with the help of an X-ray. The treatment methodologies involve splint, sling, brace or surgery.
Solved Questions and Answers
1. What is Fractured Proximal Humerus?
Ans. A fractured proximal humerus indicates a significant injury to the humerus bone in the shoulder joint that needs instant treatment to restore the previous healthy functioning of the bone. A fracture of the humerus bone results from the possible consequence of traumatic conditions like forceful collision or falling. Now it completely depends on the type of fracture and specific location of the proximal humerus, a surgical intervention can also be the need of the hour. On the treatment front, whether a surgical or non-surgical method is required or not but a physical therapy treatment is essential. This helps to effectively and safely restore the shoulder function and enables the individual to get back to his normal activities.
2. How Does an Individual Feel When He Undergoes a Proximal Humerus Injury?
Ans. An individual who undergoes a proximal humerus fracture might experience the following conditions after immediately getting an injury.
Pains
Bruising
Swelling
There is a complete restriction on the movement of the injured shoulders
A grinding sensation with arm’s movement.
Noticeable deformity in the arm.
Numbness and tingling in the arm.
Occasional bleeding for an open fracture.
Loss of arm’s mobility in case of additional nerve injury.
3. What are the Most Common Arm Fractures Observed in Children?
Ans. The most typical type of fracture that happens in the arms of the children is the fracture in the supracondylar humerus. This fracture is a rare observance in adults. A supracondylar fracture is a breakage of the distal humor bone situated just above the elbows. This type of fracture is transverse or oblique in nature and above the medial and lateral epicondyles and condyles. Most of the non-displaced fractures in the children can be treated with casting. In case, these fractures are displaced or angulated it can be treated with surgery. Complications in this type of fracture arise only when it gets associated with nerve injuries or blood vessels.
4. Are Humerus and Ulna Connected?
Ans. Yes, the humerus and ulna are connected by the humeroulnar joint that is a part of the elbow joint. It comprises mainly two bones the humerus and ulna, and it is the junction between the trochlea of humerus and the trochlea of ulna. It is a simple hinge joint that enables the movement of the extension, flexion, and circumduction.
5. What is Humerus of a Frog?
Ans. Just like a human, the frog's front legs are known as the humerus of the frog. It also comprises the other two bones called the radius and ulna. Though, the radius and ulna of the frog are merged within the bones.
Did You Know
The proximal humerus consists of the head, anatomical neck, surgical neck, lesser and greater tubercle, and intertubercular sulcus. On a humerus, the greater tubercle is located laterally and has both anterior and posterior surfaces. While the lesser tubercle is smaller and located more medially inside the bone. This is known as tubercle humerus.
FAQs on Humerus
1. Explain the Fractured Humerus Treatment Procedure?
Ans. In case, the bone fragments are displaced from the original position, the majority of the proximal humerus treatment can be simply cured without surgery. If there are any fragment shifts being noticed, surgery is conducted to enable fast mobility. However, there are several other factors that are taken into consideration before conducting a surgical fixation or nonoperative treatment. The nonoperative treatment is basically done with the help of a sling or shoulder immobilizer that recommends non-mobility of shoulders for a few weeks. After that, the patient is given some weekly exercises that steadily increases the shoulders range of motion. It is accompanied by an X-ray report that reveals whether the injury is healing or not. On the other hand, surgery involves the fixation of the fracture fragments with plates, pins, and screws. Drastic fractures with the previous arthroscopy can also require replacement of the shoulder. Following the shoulder surgery, the mobilization schedule will start with physical therapy.
2. How Injuries Can Be Prevented in Humerus?
Ans. Whether it is a proximal fractured right humerus or fractured left humerus, it is diagnosed through physical examination and diagnostic imaging. To confirm such conditions, an X-ray is often conducted. If further information is required, such reports are usually based on the MRI or CT scan test that reveals injuries on the soft tissues or nerves. However, there are certain precautionary measures to avoid the risk of fractures:
Older individuals or individuals having balance problems should be encouraged to use assistive devices, handrails, and proper shoes.
The participating athletes in contact sports should use proper protective equipment and abide by the specific rules and regulations.
Individuals having low bone density should have an intake of appropriate vitamins and minerals like calcium and vitamin D to restore healthy bone conditions.
