Mid Humeral Fractures in Northampton & Corby
Your Local Experts in Shoulder Pain
Are you struggling with Shoulder PAIN and looking for effective, professional treatment? At Team Rehab UK Ltd, our dedicated clinics in Brixworth and Corby offer premium physiotherapy services to help you regain your mobility and live pain-free. With a minimum of 24 years of experience each, our highly skilled chartered physiotherapists are committed to providing personalised care tailored to your specific needs.
Understanding Mid Humeral Fractures
Introduction to Mid Humeral Fractures
A mid humeral fracture is a break in the humerus bone that occurs between the shoulder and elbow joints. The humerus is the long bone of the upper arm, which connects the shoulder to the elbow. It is crucial for a wide range of arm movements and functions. The head of the humerus fits into a shallow socket in the shoulder blade (scapula) to form the shoulder joint, and the lower end joins with the bones of the forearm to form the elbow joint.
Types of Mid Humeral Fracture
Mid humeral fractures can be classified into three types based on the nature of the break:
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Type A Fractures: Simple fractures where the bone is not shattered and remains in large pieces.
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Type B Fractures: Wedge fractures where the broken bone forms a wedge shape.
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Type C Fractures: Complex fractures where the bone is shattered into multiple pieces.
Causes of Mid Humeral Fractures
Several factors can cause mid humeral fractures, including:
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Direct Blow or Bending Force: A direct impact to the middle of the humerus, such as from a car accident or a heavy blow during contact sports, can cause the bone to break.
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Falling onto an Outstretched Arm: A common cause of fractures, especially in the elderly, is falling and landing on an outstretched hand. The force travels up the arm and can result in a break in the humerus.
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Violent Muscle Contraction: In sports such as weightlifting, a sudden and violent contraction of the muscles can exert enough force to fracture the humerus.
Signs & Symptoms of a Mid Humeral Fracture
Patients with a mid humeral fracture typically present with:
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Considerable Pain: Intense pain at the site of the fracture that worsens with movement.
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Swelling: Significant swelling around the injured area.
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Shortening of the Arm: Visible shortening of the arm due to displacement of the bone fragments.
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Deformity: An abnormal appearance of the arm, with possible visible misalignment.
Ensuring Optimal Treatment Outcomes
At Team Rehab UK, we emphasise that treatments which are not effective should not continue beyond accepted clinical timescales without further in-depth investigations. We prefer these additional assessments to be conducted by consultant specialists outside our company’s financial interests. This approach ensures we receive an unbiased second opinion, guaranteeing that the care you receive is the most clinically appropriate.
Diagnosing a Mid Humeral Fracture
Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. The diagnostic process typically involves:
Medical History and Physical Examination
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Initial Consultation:
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Your specialist in Northampton will begin by reviewing your symptoms and medical history to understand the circumstances of the injury.
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Physical Examination:
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A thorough physical exam will be conducted to assess the Humeral fracture. This includes palpating the area to pinpoint tenderness and deformity and evaluating the range of motion and stability of the shoulder.
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Imaging Tests
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X-rays:
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Confirmation and Assessment: X-rays are commonly used to confirm the presence of a fracture, determine its severity, and locate the exact site of the break. They reveal the alignment of the bone fragments and any displacement.
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CT Scan:
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Detailed Imaging: In more complex cases, a CT scan might be ordered to provide detailed images of the bone and surrounding structures, offering a comprehensive view of the fracture.
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Treatment Options
Conservative Treatment
Most mid humeral fractures can be treated successfully without surgery using conservative methods:
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Immobilisation:
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Hanging Arm Cast or Coaptation Splint: Initially, the arm may be immobilised in a hanging cast or splint for 1-3 weeks to allow the bones to begin healing.
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Functional Brace: After the initial period, a functional brace is used to support the arm while allowing for some movement.
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Pain Management:
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Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications help manage discomfort.
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Physiotherapy:
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Early initiation of range of motion exercises for the fingers, wrist, elbow, and shoulder is encouraged as soon as it can be tolerated to prevent stiffness and maintain mobility.
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Surgical Treatment
Surgery may be necessary for more severe fractures or when conservative treatment is not sufficient. Indications for surgical treatment include:
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Fractures That Cannot Be Managed Conservatively: When the bone fragments are too displaced to heal properly without surgical intervention.
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Segmental Fractures: When the bone is broken in multiple places along its length.
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Pathologic Fractures: Fractures caused by underlying conditions such as bone tumours.
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Injury to Blood Vessels: When the fracture causes damage to blood vessels.
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Open Fractures: When the broken bone pierces through the skin, increasing the risk of infection.
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Obese Patients: In whom proper alignment is difficult without surgery.
Surgical Procedure:
Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF). The ORIF procedure is performed under general anaesthesia and involves:
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Incision: An incision is made over the fracture site to access the broken bones.
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Fracture Alignment: The broken bones are realigned to their normal anatomical position.
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Fixation: Internal fixation devices such as plates, screws, or intramedullary (IM) implants are used to hold the bones in place.
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Fluoroscopy: Live X-ray guidance ensures accurate placement of the fixation devices.
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Closure: The incision is sutured, and a dressing is applied.
Post Surgical Care
Following surgery, proper post-operative care is essential for recovery:
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Numbness: Temporary numbness below the incision area is common and usually resolves over time.
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Physiotherapy: Early rehabilitation is critical:
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Gentle Motion Exercises: Initially, exercises focus on restoring gentle motion to prevent stiffness.
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Strengthening Exercises: As healing progresses, exercises aim to strengthen the shoulder and restore full function.
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Gradual Resumption of Activities: Regular activities can typically be resumed after about three months, but it is important to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting until full healing is confirmed.
Risks and Complications
As with any surgical procedure, complications can occur. Potential risks include:
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Nerve Injury: Possible damage to surrounding nerves during surgery.
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Bleeding: Excessive bleeding during or after the procedure.
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Infection: Risk of infection at the surgical site.
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Blood Clots: Formation of blood clots, particularly in the legs (deep vein thrombosis).
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Recurrent Instability: Potential for the bone to become unstable again.
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Malunion or Non-Union: Improper healing of the bone, either in the wrong position or not healing at all.
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Hardware Failure: Breakage or malfunction of the fixation devices.
We have included this video animation to help you visualise the anatomy that we, as professionals, often take for granted. At Team Rehab UK, we are dedicated to helping our patients understand the causes of their symptoms, empowering them to effectively manage their condition both during and after their treatment.
Please note that some of our videos may be of American origin and might contain slightly different professional terms or approaches compared to those used in the UK. However, the content remains highly informative and beneficial. You should seek advice form your UK based specialist before trying any advice contained, or inferred, in the video you ensure it complies with UK best practice standards.
Summary
Mid humeral fractures can be managed effectively through both conservative and surgical methods, depending on the type and severity of the fracture. With a union rate of up to 90%, proper treatment and rehabilitation can result in a successful recovery.
If you're experiencing symptoms of a mid humeral fracture, you should consult with a consultant for x-rays. Following this acute care diagnosis and management, when advised it is safe to do so you will be able to consult with a physiotherapist in Northampton for a thorough evaluation and personalised treatment plan.
At our clinic, we offer comprehensive physiotherapy in Northampton, including sports massage in Northampton, to help you recover effectively. We are recognised providers for Bupa Northampton and Axa Northampton, ensuring quality care for our patients. Reach out to our shoulder specialists in Northampton for expert care and support.
Book your appointment at Team Rehab uk in Northampton (Brixworth) or Corby, and take the first step towards a pain-free life. Share this information with friends or family who might benefit from our services, and let's help everyone get back to their best selves.
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Convenient Locations in Brixworth and Corby
Brixworth Clinic
Our main rehabilitation centre in Northampton (Brixworth) was purpose built with the sole aim of providing the best opportunities for our expert team to provide you with the best recovery potential. Open in April 2024, the clinic is conveniently located and easily accessible, offering a welcoming environment where you can receive the highest standard of care. We are committed to making your visit as comfortable and effective as possible.
Corby Clinic
The Corby clinic is a much smaller set up within the Lakeside medical centre but we strive to deliver the same exceptional physiotherapy services, within the confines of the setting, ensuring that high-quality physiotherapy is available to the wider community. Our dedicated team is ready to help you overcome back pain and improve your quality of life.
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