

Most fractures are the result of a fall onto the shoulder or from a direct blow to the proximal arm. Proximal humeral fractures are 3-4 times more likely to occur in boys than girls. The proximal humeral physis remains open until approximately 16-19 years of age. The three ossification centers coalesce by 6 years of age. (Landin, 1997 Neer, 1965) The proximal humeral epiphysis forms from three early ossification centers: a humeral head center present at or near birth, a greater tuberosity center that appears at age 3 years, and a lesser tuberosity center that appears at age 5 years. Proximal humeral physeal injuries account for approximately 2-3% of all physeal fractures.

Fractures involving the proximal humeral physis are categorized by the Salter Harris classification system and fractures of the metaphysis are described by the amount of angulation and displacement at the fracture site. Proximal humerus fractures include fractures involving the proximal humeral physis and metaphysis. For patients closer to skeletal maturity when the remodeling potential is diminished, one might consider surgical treatments to improve fracture alignment and reduce the possibility of malunion.Nonsurgical management is appropriate for the majority of young children with proximal humeral fractures.As such, there is extensive remodeling potential in fractures in younger, skeletally immature patients. The proximal humeral physis contributes approximately 80% of the growth of the humerus.It starts in the forearm and ends at either the hand or fingers, the thumb is allowed to be free.Study Guide Proximal Humerus Fractures Key Points: It helps to reduce pain, protect the injured area, and promote healing by limiting movement in the affected area while allowing for some slight range of motion. Radial gutter splints are used to provide support and stability for the fingers, hand, wrist and sometimes forearm in cases of trauma or fractures. It starts in the forearm and ends at either the hand or fingers.įractures: Hand and Finger Fractures Radial Gutter Splint It helps to reduce pain and promote healing by limiting movement in the affected area while allowing for some slight range of motion. The ulnar gutter splints are designed to provide support and stabilization of the fingers, hand, wrist and sometimes forearm following trauma or fracture.

It usually starts at the forearm and ends at the thumb.įractures: Wrist Fractures, Scaphoid Fractures, Thumb Fractures Ulnar Gutter Splint This helps reduce pain and promote healing by immobilizing the affected area while still allowing some range of motion to the fingers.
SPLINTING HUMERUS FRACTURE FREE
The elbow is free to move.įractures: Forearm Fractures, Wrist Fractures Thumb Spica SplintĪ thumb spica splint to provide support and protection for injuries to the hand, wrist and thumb. It is one splint on the volar (front) of the forearm. The volar splint is designed to immobilize the wrist and forearm, typically in cases of trauma or fractures. The elbow is free to move.įractures: Forearm Fractures, Wrist Fractures Volar Splint It is made with two splints, one on the dorsal (back) and one on the volar (front) of the forearm. The volar dorsal splint is designed to immobilize the wrist and forearm, typically in cases of trauma or fractures. It partially immobilizes the elbow as well.įractures: Forearm Fractures, Wrist Fractures Volar Dorsal Splint It is in the shape of a U and goes around the dorsal (back) and volar (front) of the forearm. The sugar-tong splint is designed to immobilize the wrist and forearm, typically in cases of trauma or fractures. It starts at the upper arm and ends at the wrist or forearm.įractures: Elbow Fractures Sugar Tong Splint Posterior elbow splints are used to reduce pain and stabilize the area around the elbow joint. The splint may be applied directly to the skin, or over a cast for additional protection and support.įractures: Proximal Humerus, Midshaft humerus fracture Posterior Elbow-Long Arm Splint This splint is made up of two or more pieces of material that are held together with straps, such as Velcro or elastic. It also helps to decrease pain and improve joint stability. A coaptation splint is a splinting technique used to support and protect the upper arm or humerus fractures.
