Most commonly seen in the hospital setting humeral Fx are not the funnest thing to treat but they are rather simple. The below describes the proper treatment methods.
- Mid humeral Fx: Treated using a simply circumferential “Sarmiento” type orthosis. This simple brace is generally donned over a snug cotton stockinet that applies a very small amount of compression and protects the skin integrity. The circumferential orthosis is then tightened so that it will apply proper compression of the biceps and triceps to stabilize the humeral fracture.
- Distal humeral Fx: This type of fracture utilizes the same type of orthosis as the mid shaft humeral fracture but with the addition of:
- medial and lateral hinges aligned with the elbow joint. These hinges maintain primary elbow motion while preventing, varus, valgus and translatory motions.
- distal forearm cuff serves as the distal point of attachment for the hinges and provides a longer lever arm to spread out pressure and aid in preventing varus, valgus, and translatory motions.
- Proximal humeral Fx: treated utilizing the same method as the mid humeral fracture. The orthosis will not restrain the fracture itself but will still provide proper stabilization with the compression applied by the orthosis over the soft tissues. The soft tissues will then add the compression and restrict the Fx from movement.