Podcast 693: Humerus Fractures

<p><strong>Contributor: Nick Tsipis, MD</strong></p> <p><strong>Educational Pearls:</strong></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Humerus fractures can be characterized as proximal, midshaft, and distal fractures</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Proximal humerus fracture is the second-most common fracture in elderly patients </span></li> <li style="list-style: none; display: inline"> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Primary complication is with the axillary nerve and axillary artery </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Vast majority are managed nonoperatively with a sling, reduction usually not indicated</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Women comprise 70% of proximal humerus fractures, often secondary to fall with osteoporosis</span></li> </ul> </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Midshaft humerus fractures are more often managed operatively, but can be managed nonoperatively</span></li> <li style="list-style: none; display: inline"> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Primary complication is with radial nerve, look for wrist drop!</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">May require reduction and splinting</span></li> </ul> </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Distal humerus fractures can include supracondylar fractures and involve the radius or ulna</span></li> <li style="list-style: none; display: inline"> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">One atypical is the Holstein-Lewis fracture, that can cause radial nerve damage</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Manage