eMedicine Specialties > Emergency Medicine > Trauma & Orthopedics
Fracture, Humerus: Treatment & Medication
Updated: Oct 28, 2009
- Overview
- Differential Diagnoses & Workup
- Treatment & Medication
- Follow-up
- Multimedia
Treatment
Prehospital Care
- Immobilize the fracture.
Emergency Department Care
Minimize the patient's movement and provide adequate analgesia to make the patient comfortable in the acute care setting.
- Proximal humerus fracture
- Most minimally displaced proximal humeral fractures can be managed nonoperatively.
- Greater tuberosity fractures may have associated rotator cuff tears. The true incidence of rotator cuff tears is unknown. They are more common in older patients, high-energy injuries, and where there is significant displacement.
- Sling and swathe application is the primary treatment.
- Fractures of the anatomical neck should be referred to orthopedist due to the risk of avascular necrosis.
- Humerus shaft (diaphyseal) fracture
- Humerus shaft fracture should be stabilized using a coaptation splint.
- Wrap splinting material snugly from axilla to nape of neck, creating a stirrup around the elbow.
- Fracture reduction is usually not necessary because reduction is difficult to maintain.
- Because of the shoulder's ability to compensate, 30-40° of angulation is acceptable.
Consultations
- Most isolated proximal and diaphyseal humeral fractures can be managed by an orthopedist in an outpatient setting. Even patients with fractures that may eventually require surgery generally may be discharged with early follow-up care if fracture is otherwise uncomplicated.
- Fractures that cannot be adequately reduced or when fracture reduction cannot be controlled with functional bracing because of patient obesity, head trauma, or soft tissue injuries, surgical stabilization is indicated.12
- Open fractures represent a surgical emergency; obtain an immediate orthopedic consult.
- Penetrating trauma requires particular neurovascular scrutiny.
- Glenohumeral dislocation in conjunction with a proximal humerus fracture requires orthopedic evaluation.
- Floating elbow (an ipsilateral humerus and forearm fracture) requires operative repair.
Medication
Drugs used to treat fractures are generally NSAIDs, analgesics, and anxiolytics.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs)
These agents are used most commonly for the relief of mild to moderately severe pain. Effects of NSAIDs in the treatment of pain tend to be patient specific, yet ibuprofen is usually DOC for initial therapy. Other options include flurbiprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen.
Ibuprofen (Ibuprin, Advil, Motrin)
Usually DOC for treatment of mild to moderately severe pain, if no contraindications. Inhibits inflammatory reactions and pain, probably by decreasing activity of enzyme cyclooxygenase, which inhibits prostaglandin synthesis.
Adult
200-400 mg PO q4-6h prn; not to exceed 3.2 g/d
Pediatric
<6 months: Not established
6 months to 12 years: 20-40 mg/kg/d PO divided tid/qid
>12 years: Administer as in adults
Aspirin increases risk of inducing serious NSAID-related adverse effects; probenecid may increase concentrations and, possibly, toxicity; may decrease effects of hydralazine, captopril, and beta-blockers; may decrease diuretic effects of furosemide and thiazides; may increase PT in patients taking anticoagulants—monitor PT closely and instruct patients to watch for signs of bleeding; may increase risk of methotrexate toxicity; may increase phenytoin levels
Documented hypersensitivity; peptic ulcer disease; recent GI bleeding or perforation; renal insufficiency; high risk of bleeding
Pregnancy
B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals
D - Fetal risk shown in humans; use only if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
Caution in congestive heart failure, hypertension, and decreased renal and hepatic function; caution in coagulation abnormalities or during anticoagulant therapy
Ketoprofen (Oruvail, Orudis, Actron)
Used for relief of mild to moderately severe pain and inflammation.
Administer small dosages initially to patients with small bodies, older persons, and those with renal or liver disease.
Doses higher than 75 mg do not increase therapeutic effects. Administer high doses with caution and closely observe patient for response.
Adult
25-50 mg PO q6-8h prn; not to exceed 300 mg/d
Pediatric
<3 months: Not established
3 months to 12 years: 0.1–1 mg/kg PO q6-8h
>12 years: Administer as in adults
Aspirin increases risk of inducing serious NSAID-related adverse effects; probenecid may increase concentrations and, possibly, toxicity; may decrease effects of hydralazine, captopril, and beta-blockers; may decrease diuretic effects of furosemide and thiazides; may increase PT in patients taking anticoagulants—monitor PT closely and instruct patients to watch for signs of bleeding; may increase risk of methotrexate toxicity; may increase phenytoin levels
Documented hypersensitivity
Pregnancy
B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals
D - Fetal risk shown in humans; use only if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
Caution in congestive heart failure, hypertension, and decreased renal and hepatic function; caution in coagulation abnormalities or during anticoagulant therapy
Naproxen (Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn)
Relieves mild to moderately severe pain. Inhibits inflammatory reactions and pain by decreasing activity of enzyme cyclooxygenase, which decreases prostaglandin synthesis.
Adult
500 mg PO followed by 250 mg q6-8h; not to exceed 1.25 g/d
Pediatric
<2 years: Not established
>2 years: 2.5 mg/kg/dose PO; not to exceed 10 mg/kg/d
Aspirin increases risk of inducing serious NSAID-related adverse effects; probenecid may increase concentrations and, possibly, toxicity; may decrease effects of hydralazine, captopril, and beta-blockers; may decrease diuretic effects of furosemide and thiazides; may increase PT in patients taking anticoagulants—monitor PT closely and instruct patients to watch for signs of bleeding; may increase risk of methotrexate toxicity; may increase phenytoin levels
Documented hypersensitivity; peptic ulcer disease; recent GI bleeding or perforation; renal insufficiency
Pregnancy
B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals
D - Fetal risk shown in humans; use only if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
Acute renal insufficiency, interstitial nephritis, hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, and renal papillary necrosis may occur; patients with preexisting renal disease or compromised renal perfusion risk acute renal failure; leukopenia occurs rarely, is transient, and usually returns to normal during therapy; persistent leukopenia, granulocytopenia, or thrombocytopenia warrants further evaluation and may require discontinuation of drug
Flurbiprofen (Ansaid)
Has analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory effects. May inhibit cyclooxygenase enzyme, inhibiting prostaglandin biosynthesis.
Adult
200-300 mg/d PO divided bid/qid
Pediatric
Not established
Aspirin increases risk of inducing serious NSAID-related adverse effects; probenecid may increase concentrations and, possibly, toxicity; may decrease effects of hydralazine, captopril, and beta-blockers; may decrease diuretic effects of furosemide and thiazides; may increase PT in patients taking anticoagulants—monitor PT closely and instruct patients to watch for signs of bleeding; may increase risk of methotrexate toxicity; may increase phenytoin levels
Documented hypersensitivity
Pregnancy
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
D - Fetal risk shown in humans; use only if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
Acute renal insufficiency, interstitial nephritis, hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, and renal papillary necrosis may occur; patients with preexisting renal disease or compromised renal perfusion risk acute renal failure; leukopenia occurs rarely, is transient, and usually returns to normal during therapy; persistent leukopenia, granulocytopenia, or thrombocytopenia warrants further evaluation and may require discontinuation of drug
Analgesics
Pain control is essential to quality patient care. It ensures patient comfort, promotes pulmonary toilet, and aids physical therapy regimens. Many analgesics have sedating properties that benefit patients who have sustained fractures.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Panadol, aspirin-free Anacin)
DOC for treatment of pain in patients with documented hypersensitivity to aspirin or NSAIDs and in those with upper GI disease or taking oral anticoagulants.
Adult
325-650 mg PO q4-6h or 1000 mg tid/qid; not to exceed 4 g/d
Pediatric
<12 years: 10-15 mg/kg/dose PO q4-6h prn; not to exceed 2.6 g/d
>12 years: 325-650 mg q4h; not to exceed 5 doses/d
Rifampin can reduce analgesic effects; barbiturates, carbamazepine, hydantoins, and isoniazid may increase hepatotoxicity
Documented hypersensitivity; known G-6-P deficiency
Pregnancy
B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals
Precautions
Hepatotoxicity possible in chronic alcoholics following various dose levels; severe or recurrent pain or high or continued fever may indicate a serious illness; acetaminophen is contained in many OTC products and combined use with these products may result in cumulative acetaminophen doses exceeding recommended maximum dose
Acetaminophen and codeine (Tylenol #3)
Drug combination indicated for treatment of mild to moderately severe pain.
Adult
30-60 mg/dose based on codeine content PO q4-6h or 1-2 tab q4h; not to exceed 12 tab/d
Pediatric
0.5-1 mg/kg/dose based on codeine content PO q4-6h; 10-15 mg/kg/dose based on acetaminophen content; not to exceed 2.6 g/d of acetaminophen
CNS depressants or tricyclic antidepressants increase toxicity
Documented hypersensitivity
Pregnancy
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
Caution in patients dependent on opiates because this substitution may result in acute opiate-withdrawal symptoms; caution in severe renal or hepatic dysfunction
Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen (Vicodin ES)
Drug combination indicated for relief of moderately severe to severe pain.
Adult
1-2 tab/cap PO q4-6h prn
Pediatric
<12 years: 10-15 mg/kg/dose acetaminophen PO q4-6h prn; not to exceed 2.6 g/d of acetaminophen
>12 years: 750 mg acetaminophen q4h; single dose not to exceed 10 mg of hydrocodone bitartrate; not to exceed 5 doses/d
Phenothiazines may decrease analgesic effects; CNS depressants or tricyclic antidepressants may increase toxicity
Documented hypersensitivity; high-altitude cerebral edema; elevated intracranial pressure
Pregnancy
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
Tablets contain metabisulfite, which may cause hypersensitivity; caution in patients dependent on opiates because this substitution may result in acute opiate-withdrawal symptoms; caution in severe renal or hepatic dysfunction
Oxycodone and acetaminophen (Percocet)
Drug combination indicated for relief of moderately severe to severe pain. DOC for aspirin-hypersensitive patients.
Adult
1-2 tab/cap PO q4-6h prn
Pediatric
0.05-0.15 mg/kg/dose oxycodone PO q4-6h prn; not to exceed 5 mg/dose of oxycodone
Phenothiazines may decrease analgesic effects; CNS depressants or tricyclic antidepressants increase toxicity
Documented hypersensitivity
Pregnancy
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
Duration of action may increase in elderly persons; be aware of total daily dose of acetaminophen patient is receiving; do not exceed 4000 mg/24 h of acetaminophen; higher doses may cause liver toxicity
Morphine sulfate (Duramorph, Astramorph, MS Contin)
DOC for narcotic analgesia because of its reliable and predictable effects, safety, and ease of reversibility with naloxone.
Morphine sulfate administered IV may be dosed in a number of ways and commonly is titrated until desired effect obtained.
Adult
Starting dose: 0.1 mg/kg IV/IM/SC
Maintenance dose: 5-20 mg/70 kg IV/IM/SC q4h
Relatively hypovolemic patients: Start with 2 mg IV/IM/SC and reassess hemodynamic effects of dose
Pediatric
Neonates: 0.05-0.2 mg/kg IV/IM/SC prn
Children: 0.1-0.2 mg/kg dose q2-4h prn
Phenothiazines may antagonize analgesic effects; tricyclic antidepressants, MAOIs, and other CNS depressants may potentiate adverse effects
Documented hypersensitivity; hypotension; potentially compromised airway in which establishing rapid airway control would be difficult
Pregnancy
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
Avoid in hypotension, respiratory depression, nausea, emesis, constipation, and urinary retention; caution in atrial flutter and other supraventricular tachycardias; has vagolytic action and may increase ventricular response rate
Anxiolytics
Patients with painful injuries usually experience significant anxiety. Anxiolytics allow a smaller analgesic dose to achieve same effect.
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Sedative hypnotic in benzodiazepine class with short onset of effect and relatively long half-life. By increasing action of GABA, a major inhibitory neurotransmitter, may depress all levels of CNS, including limbic and reticular formation.
Excellent for sedating patients for >24 h.
Monitor patient's BP after administering dose and adjust as necessary.
Adult
Initial dose: 2 mg total or 0.044 mg/kg IV, whichever is smaller
For greater lack of recall: 0.05 mg/kg IV; not to exceed 4 mg/dose
Pediatric
0.05-0.1 mg/kg IV slowly over 2-5 min; may repeat dose of 0.05 mg/kg IV slowly
Alcohol, phenothiazines, barbiturates, and MAOIs increase toxicity
Documented hypersensitivity; preexisting CNS depression; hypotension; narrow-angle glaucoma
Pregnancy
D - Fetal risk shown in humans; use only if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
Caution in renal or hepatic impairment, myasthenia gravis, organic brain syndrome, or Parkinson disease
More on Fracture, Humerus |
| Overview: Fracture, Humerus |
| Differential Diagnoses & Workup: Fracture, Humerus |
 Treatment & Medication: Fracture, Humerus |
| Follow-up: Fracture, Humerus |
| Multimedia: Fracture, Humerus |
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References
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Further Reading
Keywords
broken humerus, humerus fracture, fractured humerus, broken arm, broken shoulder, shoulder fracture, arm fracture, forearm fracture
