Upper arm (humerus) fracture

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An upper arm (humerus) fracture is classified as a proximal fracture or a shaft fracture. Read how upper arm fractures are treated, and about recovery.

Key points

Fractured upper arm bones do not always need a cast. Often, these bone fracture are treated with a sling or a collar and cuff.
Your child will have a follow-up visit to the fracture clinic.
After about three weeks, your child can start slowly and gently exercising the shoulder. Swimming is a good low-impact way to do this.

Introduction

Fracture in the middle of the upper arm — The fracture may be near the shoulder. The illustration shows a shaft fracture, which is towards the middle of the bone.

Your child has a fracture of the humerus, the arm bone between the elbow and the shoulder.

Your child may have a proximal or shaft fracture. A proximal fracture is close to the shoulder. A shaft fracture is more towards the middle of the bone.

Treatment

Your child will need an X-ray

Your child will have an X-ray. The X-ray will show where and how severe the fracture is. This may be the only X-ray taken, however, depending on the fracture, another X-ray may be needed.

Your child may not need a cast

Depending on the place, size and type of fracture, your child may not need a cast. Instead, your child will have a sling or a "collar and cuff."

A collar and cuff is a strip of material tied around the wrist and around the neck. It keeps the arm bent but allows the elbow to drop. Proximal fractures will likely get a collar and cuff.
A sling covers the whole arm and goes around the neck. It keeps the arm bent and supports the whole arm. Shaft fractures will likely need a sling.

Follow-up appointment

Your child will have a follow-up appointment at the fracture clinic about seven to 10 days after the break occurred. The staff there will make sure your child's arm is healing properly. You will be given special instructions about exercising the arm. You will also be told how much longer the sling, collar and cuff, or cast must stay on.

Write down the date and time of your child's follow-up appointment here:

Write down the number of the fracture clinic here:

Write down the name of the doctor or nurse at the fracture clinic here:

Helping your child

Recovering from the fracture

After about two weeks

The fracture will get better and you may see or feel a bump at the fracture site. The bump means the fracture is healing. It will get smaller over the next year, but it may not disappear fully.

After about three weeks

Your child can start shoulder exercises. You and your child will learn about these at the follow-up appointment. Swimming is also a good activity for your child's shoulder, as long as it is comfortable.

Four to six weeks after the sling is removed

Your child should avoid high-impact, contact sports for four to six weeks after the sling is taken off.

Your child will gradually gain confidence and return to normal activities after that. If you have questions about whether a certain activity is safe, ask the staff at the fracture clinic.

If you have any concerns, contact your family doctor or the advanced practice nurse (APN) at the fracture clinic.

Last updated: November 10th 2009