Humeral Shaft Fractures

Question 1

What may cause a humeral shaft fracture?

Answer 1

1. Direct trauma
2. Fall with or without twsting injury

Question 2

If there is a twisting injury leading to a humeral shaft fracture, which two types of humeral fractures classically occur?

Answer 2

1. Oblique
2. Spiral

Question 3

Up to what level of angulation can be accepted in humeral shaft fractures?

Answer 3

30º

Question 4

Which nerve is at risk in humeral shaft fractures?

Answer 4

Radial nerve

Question 5

What are the clinical signs of a damaged radial nerve?

Answer 5

1. Wrist drop
2. Loss of sensation in the first dorsal web space

Question 6

How can most cases of humeral shaft fractures be treated?

Answer 6

Functional humeral brace

Question 7

What is the treatment for potentially more serious humeral shaft fractures which are not non-unions?

Answer 7

Intramedullary nail or plate and screws

Question 8

In a polytrauma of the humeral shaft, an _____________ _____ is often used

Answer 8

In a polytrauma of the humeral shaft, an intramedullary nail is often used

Question 9

Non-unions of the humeral shaft require what treatment?

Answer 9

Plating and bone grafting