Search

Home > Emergency Medical Minute > Podcast 693: Humerus Fractures
Podcast: Emergency Medical Minute
Episode:

Podcast 693: Humerus Fractures
Category: Science & Medicine
Duration: 00:07:45
Publish Date: 2021-07-14 10:00:00
Description:

Contributor: Nick Tsipis, MD

Educational Pearls:

  • Humerus fractures can be characterized as proximal, midshaft, and distal fractures
  • Proximal humerus fracture is the second-most common fracture in elderly patients 
    • Primary complication is with the axillary nerve and axillary artery 
    • Vast majority are managed nonoperatively with a sling, reduction usually not indicated
    • Women comprise 70% of proximal humerus fractures, often secondary to fall with osteoporosis
  • Midshaft humerus fractures are more often managed operatively, but can be managed nonoperatively
    • Primary complication is with radial nerve, look for wrist drop!
    • May require reduction and splinting
  • Distal humerus fractures can include supracondylar fractures and involve the radius or ulna
    • One atypical is the Holstein-Lewis fracture, that can cause radial nerve damage
    • Management is varied depending on the exact type of distal humerus fracture
  • Assess degree of angulation, neurovascular status, and likelihood of compartment syndrome both before and after splint application

References

Attum B, Thompson JH. Humerus Fractures Overview. [Updated 2020 Aug 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482281/

 

The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at www.emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account. 

Donate to EMM today!
Total Play: 0

Users also like

800+ Episodes
Radioresepsj .. 700+     10+
20+ Episodes
Lung Story S .. 70+     10+