What is surgical neck of humerus fracture?
What is surgical neck of humerus fracture?
The surgical neck of the humerus is a constriction below the tubercles of the greater tubercle and lesser tubercle, and above the deltoid tuberosity. It is much more frequently fractured than the anatomical neck of the humerus.
Why is the surgical neck of the humerus more likely to fracture?
As noted earlier, the surgical neck is the most frequent site of a humerus fracture in adults. Surgical neck fractures can result in abduction of the proximal fragment by the rotator cuff. Fractures between the pectoralis major and deltoid insertions result in adduction of the proximal fragment by the pectoralis.
Where is surgical neck of humerus?
The surgical neck is found just inferior to the tubercles where the shaft begins. The surgical neck is a common site for fractures (hence its name), while fractures of the anatomical neck are rare. The shaft of the humerus has a cylindrical shape proximally then flattens to produce more distinct surfaces.
How do you position a humerus fracture?
It is important to ensure that the upper arm remains hanging all the times to keep the fracture in the correct position. Keep it in the collar and cuff and do not rest your elbow on cushions, pillows or chair arms for example, as this will move the shoulder up. The sling must be the only support for your arm.
How painful is a humerus fracture?
Humerus fractures are a very painful injury, and patients may need to take pain relief medications regularly as prescribed by the doctor. The fractured portion may hurt intensely, swell, and feel stiff. Stiffness may continue well after the fracture has healed.
What is the most common fracture of the humerus?
The most frequently fractured site of the humerus especially in elderly is the surgical neck which is an area of constriction distal to the tuberosities.
What muscles attach to surgical neck of humerus?
This can be remembered with the mnemonic “a lady between two majors”, with latissimus dorsi attaching between teres major on the medial lip and pectoralis major laterally. The surgical neck extends from just distal to the tuberosities to the shaft of the humerus.
What is a 3 part fracture of surgical neck of humerus?
3-PART FRACTURE: This is when the proximal humerus is broken into three pieces, and there are then two fracture lines on x-ray. This most often involves the greater tuberosity and the surgical neck of the humerus.
How long does it take broken humerus to heal?
Proximal Humerus Fracture Healing Time Most people with proximal humerus fractures do very well. By six weeks, patients are extremely comfortable and usually are released to full activities such by three months. Continued stiffness is a common problem and prolonged therapy or exercises is often needed.
Which is the best surgery for humerus fractures?
Proximally, the deltopectoral approach to the shoulder continues to be the most widely used. However, the lateral deltoid-splitting approach is a viable, less invasive approach for both rotator cuff repair and fixation of valgus- impacted proximal humeral fractures.
When to use anterior deltopectoral approach for humeral fracture?
The (anterior) deltopectoral approach can be used for almost any proximal humeral fracture treatment and is often the preferred approach. This approach is also highly recommended for revision surgery. 2.
Can a humerus fracture consist of an anterior fragment?
Pitfall: In fractures of the proximal humerus which consist of an anterior fragment one should take care to analyze the fracture pattern.
Are there any surgical exposures of the humerus?
Surgical Exposures of the Humerus. The neurovascular and muscular anatomy about the humerus precludes the use of a truly “safe” fully extensile approach. Working around a spiraling radial nerve at the posterior midshaft requires either a transmuscular dissection or a triceps-avoiding paramuscular technique.