When a crash breaks the upper arm between shoulder and elbow
An orthopedic trauma surgeon explains a humeral shaft fracture
A humeral shaft fracture is a break in the long bone that runs from your shoulder to your elbow. Some of these breaks heal inside a fitted brace. Others need surgery because of the way the bone broke or because of other injuries. [1, 2]
The radial nerve runs right alongside this bone. If it gets hurt, lifting your wrist or fingers can become hard. Feeling on the back of your hand can change, too. Your care team should write down the results of your nerve exam and repeat it later. [1, 2]
Learn the plan for the bone and the nerve
Ask if the bone is staying lined up. Find out when the next X ray will show how it’s healing. If you wear a brace, ask who will adjust it as the swelling changes. Also ask when you may take it off to care for your skin. Learn how strong your wrist, thumb and fingers were at the first exam and how well they could feel. If you notice new weakness or numbness after you go home, contact the fracture team promptly. [1, 2]
Move the joints you're allowed to move
Ask which movements of your hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder are safe. The answer may change after surgery or if a nerve was hurt. Hold off on lifting with that arm until your plan allows it. A therapist can help with dressing and sleeping positions. They can also help you use a walking aid if other injuries call for one. Find out when you can go back to work and start driving again. [1, 2]
Watch your skin and blood flow
Call your team if the brace presses painfully, a rash spreads or the arm keeps swelling more. Get urgent care for a hand that turns cold or pale. The same goes for new, marked weakness, new numbness or severe pain that keeps getting worse. Talk with your team, too, if the break keeps hurting or later images show little progress. [1, 2]
What to ask about your arm
- Is the bone lined up, and is it starting to heal?
- Was the radial nerve hurt? How will you keep track of it?
- Who will adjust my brace as the swelling goes down?
Test your wrist and fingers today
Sources and further reading
- 1Cambridge University Hospitals humeral shaft fractures
- 2Orthopaedic Trauma Association humeral shaft fracture
This is general information from an orthopedic trauma point of view. If your hand or wrist turns weak after an upper arm fracture, get checked promptly. The rules for your brace and your movement depend on your fracture.
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