Direct trauma from a fall
Direct blow to the upper arm
Fall on elbow or outstretched arm (FOOSH injury)
Motor vehicle or industrial accident
Pitching a ball (Torque causes a spiral fracture.)
Bone m...
History and physical examination with special attention to a thorough neurovascular and skin examination
Consider associated injuries such as ipsilateral shoulder, elbow, wrist, or hand fract...
These fractures usually do not require elaborate reduction or immobilization.
Fractures without neurovascular compromise can be treated conservatively; see immobilization opti...
Immobilize until clinical healing and pain free, with bony callus on radiographs, usually 4 to 6 wk.
Begin pendulum exercises within 1 wk.
Start passive ROM after 2 wk to minimize shoulder ...
Radial nerve injury is the most common neurovascular injury, occurring in about 15% of humeral shaft fractures.
10 to 20 degrees of angulation and 1 to 2 cm of shortening generally are ...
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