Overview
The humerus bone is located in the upper arm. Fractures of the humerus bone are described based on the location of the break. A break can occur near the shoulder, the middle region or closer to the elbow.
What to Do
If you think your child has broken their upper arm:
- go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department – minor fractures can often be treated at a local minor injuries unit
- avoid moving the affected arm as much as possible – it may help to support it in a sling that goes under the arm and around the neck; find out how to make an arm sling
- stop any bleeding by applying pressure to the wound with a clean pad or dressing if possible
- apply an ice pack (such as a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel) to the injured area if one is easily available
- KEEP THE CHILD FASTING (No food or Drink)
- Where possible try to get someone else to drive so you can support and comfort your child en route to the hospital.
On arrival in the emergency department the child will be given pain relief and the arm will be x-rayed and usually put in a plaster of paris cast, a sling or a brace.
Care Advice During Recovery
It can take 6-8 weeks for the fracture of the upper arm to heal. However the sling is typically only required for the first few weeks until the pain settles. While wearing the sling, you should:
- avoid putting weight or strain on the arm. Avoid resting it on the arm of a chair or a pillow as the weight of the arm often helps keep the fracture the correct shape.
- follow your doctors or physiotherapists advice by doing a few gentle exercises to keep your wrist and fingers strong and flexible – as you improve, the amount and range of exercises you will be advised to do will increase
- Seek medical advice if you experience new numbness, or weakness around the hand and wrist.
Your child should be able to attend school or an appropriate childcare setting while in their sling unless advised against this by your doctor. They can also advise about when your child can gradually return to sports and other normal activities.
The arm may be stiff and weak after the sling is removed. This is very normal. Children are able to restore a normal range of movement in their injured arm usually very quickly, however should they require additional assistance physiotherapy can be arranged.