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 fractures 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 to four 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 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 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 one week after the injury occurred and was initially assessed. The health-care team at the fracture clinic 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.

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-risk and high-impact activities, such as contact sports. Check with the health-care team at the fracture clinic for the specific duration for your child, as it may depend on the size of the fracture.

Your child will gradually gain confidence in their arm 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 child’s heath-care provider or the health-care team at the fracture clinic.

Last updated: M09 16th 2026