Imaging Studies
Anteroposterior (AP) and lateral radiographs should be obtained first. These should be taken at 90º angles to each other. To obtain these radiographs, move the patient rather than rotate the injured limb through the fracture site. The shoulder and elbow should be included on each radiograph. Traction radiographs may be helpful with comminuted or severely displaced fractures, and comparison radiographs of the contralateral side may be helpful for determining preoperative length. [2] (See the image below.)
Diaphyseal humerus fracture.
Computed tomography (CT) is rarely indicated. [2]
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Diaphyseal humerus fracture.
Tables
Matthew Lawless, MD Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, Wright State University School of Medicine; Consulting Surgeon, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Miami Valley Hospital and Dayton Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Matthew Lawless, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Garrhett Glenn Via, MD Resident Physician in Orthopedic Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Wright State University, Boonshoft School of Medicine
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
David A Brueggeman, MD Research Fellow, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Wright State University, Boonshoft School of Medicine
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference
Disclosure: Received salary from Medscape for employment. for: Medscape.
Harris Gellman, MD Consulting Surgeon, Broward Hand Center; Voluntary Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and Plastic Surgery, Departments of Orthopedic Surgery and Surgery, University of Miami, Leonard M Miller School of Medicine; Clinical Professor of Surgery, Nova Southeastern School of Medicine
Harris Gellman, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Medical Acupuncture, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Association, American Society for Surgery of the Hand, Arkansas Medical Society, Florida Medical Association, Florida Orthopaedic Society
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Michael S Clarke, MD Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine
Michael S Clarke, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Arthroscopy Association of North America, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association for Hand Surgery, American College of Surgeons, American Medical Association, Clinical Orthopaedic Society, Mid-Central States Orthopaedic Society, Missouri State Medical Association
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Fady Y Hijji, MD Resident Physician, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Wright State University, Boonshoft School of Medicine
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
