Distal humeral fracture: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 05:31, 16 February 2025

An overview of distal humeral fractures

Distal Humeral Fracture[edit]

A distal humeral fracture is a break in the lower end of the humerus, the bone of the upper arm, near the elbow joint. These fractures are common in both children and adults and can result from direct trauma or falls onto an outstretched arm.

X-ray of a supracondylar fracture of the humerus

Anatomy[edit]

The distal humerus is the lower part of the humerus that articulates with the radius and ulna at the elbow. It consists of the medial epicondyle, lateral epicondyle, trochlea, and capitulum. The distal humerus is crucial for the movement and stability of the elbow joint.

Types of Fractures[edit]

Distal humeral fractures can be classified into several types based on their location and pattern:

Supracondylar Fractures[edit]

These occur just above the condyles of the humerus and are most common in children. They are often caused by falls on an outstretched hand.

Intercondylar Fractures[edit]

These involve the area between the condyles and are more common in adults. They can be complex and involve multiple fracture lines.

Transcondylar Fractures[edit]

These occur through the condyles and are less common. They can result from direct trauma to the elbow.

Symptoms[edit]

Symptoms of a distal humeral fracture include:

Severe pain in the elbow or upper arm
Swelling and bruising around the elbow
Inability to move the elbow
Visible deformity in severe cases

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis is typically made through a combination of physical examination and imaging studies. X-rays are the primary imaging modality used to assess the fracture pattern and displacement. In some cases, CT scans may be used for more detailed evaluation.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment of distal humeral fractures depends on the type and severity of the fracture:

Non-Surgical Treatment[edit]

Non-displaced fractures may be treated with immobilization using a cast or splint. This allows the bone to heal naturally over time.

Surgical Treatment[edit]

Displaced or complex fractures often require surgical intervention. Common surgical procedures include:

Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF)
External fixation
Elbow replacement in severe cases

Rehabilitation[edit]

Rehabilitation is crucial for restoring function after a distal humeral fracture. Physical therapy exercises are used to regain range of motion and strength in the elbow.

Complications[edit]

Potential complications of distal humeral fractures include:

Nerve injury, particularly to the ulnar nerve
Malunion or nonunion of the fracture
Stiffness in the elbow joint

Related pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Distal humeral fracture''' refers to a break or crack in the lower end of the [[humerus]] (upper arm bone) near the elbow. This type of fracture can affect the elbow's range of motion and is considered a serious injury due to the complexity of the elbow joint and the area's involvement in arm movement. Distal humeral fractures are categorized based on their location in the bone, the pattern of the fracture, and whether or not the fracture involves the joint surface.
+{{Short description|An overview of distal humeral fractures}}
-==Causes==
+==Distal Humeral Fracture==
-Distal humeral fractures are most commonly caused by direct trauma to the elbow area. This can occur through:
+A '''distal humeral fracture''' is a break in the lower end of the [[humerus]], the bone of the upper arm, near the [[elbow]] joint. These fractures are common in both children and adults and can result from direct trauma or falls onto an outstretched arm.
-* Falls onto an outstretched arm
-* Direct impact to the elbow, such as in a vehicle accident
+[[File:Supracondylar09.JPG|thumb|right|X-ray of a supracondylar fracture of the humerus]]
-* A sudden, forceful twist of the arm
+==Anatomy==
+The distal humerus is the lower part of the humerus that articulates with the [[radius]] and [[ulna]] at the elbow. It consists of the [[medial epicondyle]], [[lateral epicondyle]], [[trochlea]], and [[capitulum]]. The distal humerus is crucial for the movement and stability of the elbow joint.
+==Types of Fractures==
+Distal humeral fractures can be classified into several types based on their location and pattern:
+===Supracondylar Fractures===
+These occur just above the condyles of the humerus and are most common in children. They are often caused by falls on an outstretched hand.
+===Intercondylar Fractures===
+These involve the area between the condyles and are more common in adults. They can be complex and involve multiple fracture lines.
+===Transcondylar Fractures===
+These occur through the condyles and are less common. They can result from direct trauma to the elbow.
 ==Symptoms==
 Symptoms of a distal humeral fracture include:
-* Severe pain in the elbow
+* Severe pain in the elbow or upper arm
 * Swelling and bruising around the elbow
-* Inability to move the elbow joint
+* Inability to move the elbow
-* A visible deformity if the fracture is severe or the bone is displaced
+* Visible deformity in severe cases
 ==Diagnosis==
-Diagnosis of a distal humeral fracture involves a physical examination and imaging tests. During the physical exam, a healthcare provider will look for signs of injury, swelling, and deformity. Imaging tests may include:
+Diagnosis is typically made through a combination of physical examination and imaging studies. [[X-ray|X-rays]] are the primary imaging modality used to assess the fracture pattern and displacement. In some cases, [[CT scan|CT scans]] may be used for more detailed evaluation.
-* [[X-ray]]s to determine the extent of the fracture and whether the bone is displaced
-* [[Computed tomography (CT) scan]] for a more detailed view, especially if surgery is considered
 ==Treatment==
-Treatment for distal humeral fractures depends on the severity and type of fracture. Options include:
+Treatment of distal humeral fractures depends on the type and severity of the fracture:
-* '''Non-surgical treatment''': For less severe fractures, treatment may involve immobilization with a cast or splint, followed by physical therapy to restore movement and strength.
-* '''Surgical treatment''': Severe fractures or those involving the joint surface often require surgery to realign and stabilize the bones. Surgical options can include the use of pins, screws, plates, or even elbow replacement in older patients with poor bone quality.
+===Non-Surgical Treatment===
+Non-displaced fractures may be treated with immobilization using a cast or splint. This allows the bone to heal naturally over time.
+===Surgical Treatment===
+Displaced or complex fractures often require surgical intervention. Common surgical procedures include:
+* Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF)
+* External fixation
+* Elbow replacement in severe cases
-==Recovery==
+==Rehabilitation==
-Recovery from a distal humeral fracture can vary depending on the severity of the fracture and the treatment method. Physical therapy is a crucial part of the recovery process to regain strength and flexibility in the elbow. Full recovery can take several months, and in some cases, complete restoration of elbow function may not be possible.
+Rehabilitation is crucial for restoring function after a distal humeral fracture. Physical therapy exercises are used to regain range of motion and strength in the elbow.
-==Prevention==
+==Complications==
-Preventing distal humeral fractures involves minimizing the risk of falls and trauma to the elbow. This can include using protective gear during sports and activities, ensuring safe environments to reduce the risk of falls, and maintaining good bone health through diet and exercise.
+Potential complications of distal humeral fractures include:
+* [[Nerve injury]], particularly to the [[ulnar nerve]]
+* [[Malunion]] or [[nonunion]] of the fracture
+* [[Stiffness]] in the elbow joint
-==See also==
+==Related pages==
-* [[Elbow]]
-* [[Fracture]]
 * [[Humerus]]
+* [[Elbow joint]]
+* [[Fracture (bone)]]
 * [[Orthopedic surgery]]
-[[Category:Orthopedic surgical procedures]]
+[[Category:Orthopedic surgery]]
-[[Category:Injuries]]
+[[Category:Fractures]]
-{{medicine-stub}}