Information for patients
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What is a humeral shaft fracture (break)?
The humerus bone is the bone in the upper part of the arm.
It can be painful when broken and can take 12 to 26 weeks to heal. The humeral brace may be in place for up to 20 weeks.
What can I expect if I fracture my humerus?
If you fracture your humerus you can expect the following:
Pain and discomfort
This injury can be painful and you will need regular pain relief, prescribed for you by your clinician or your local GP.
Swelling
Swelling will affect your arm and hand. It will go down over time if you complete some regular exercises.
Bruising
This often occurs to the arm, hand and chest. It can take a few weeks to get better.
How is a humeral shaft fracture managed?
- We can fit a brace to hold the bone in place. The brace will feel supportive and hold the upper arm in place. It covers your shoulder down to your elbow and wraps around your arm to give support.
- We provide you with a sling to support your hand and to allow your arm to relax.
- When you wear the sling, your hand needs to be higher, or at about the same level as your elbow.
- We will give you a material to wear between your skin and the brace.
How long will I need to wear the brace?
The Clinician will let you know how long you will need to wear the brace and when you can remove it.
What exercises will help my recovery?
Exercise 1
Start with your fingers straight.
Make a fist, being sure that you bend each finger as much as possible.
Exercise 2
Straighten your fingers as much as possible.
Start with your fingers straight and together.
Spread your fingers wide apart and then bring them back together.
Exercise 3
Start with your fingers straight, then move your wrist up and down.
Exercise 4
Remove your arm from the sling (NOT from the brace) and slowly allow your arm to straighten.
Bring your arm back upwards.
Use your other arm for support under your elbow.
Do the exercises at least twice a day.
Repeat each exercise slowly 5 times. Repeat the full set if you can.
Do’s and Don’ts on wearing your humeral brace
Do
- Keep your elbow, hand and fingers moving throughout the day.
- Remove your arm from the sling regularly to check your skin and prevent stiffness in your elbow.
- Regularly exercise the joints that are not covered by the humeral brace to avoid stiffness.
- Relax your shoulder to allow your arm to hang down. This will allow the muscles in your arm to relax and keep the bone straight.
- Take regular painkillers if you need them. Following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- If you are a smoker, we advise you to stop smoking as it can slow, and sometimes stop, the healing process.
Do not
- Do not put anything under the brace (such as tissue or creams) as this can cause skin problems.
- DO NOT remove your brace until your Healthcare Professional advises you to do so.
- When sitting, do not place anything under your arm. Your arm needs to hang free to allow the bone to stay straight.
- Do not get the brace wet. If the brace gets wet, it can damage your skin and increase the risk of infection.
- Do not wear jewellery on your affected hand or wrist. As this allows room for temporary swelling around the injury.
When to contact the Plaster Room or Emergency Department
Contact the Plaster Room or the Emergency Department, if you experience any of the following:
- Pins and needles, numbness or loss of sensation in your arm or hand. This can mean that the brace is too tight and needs adjustment.
- A burning feeling or blister like pain underneath the brace. This can mean the brace is rubbing or causing pressure on the skin.
- Pain that increases or becomes more frequent and is not made better with regular painkillers.
- Difficulty moving your fingers, hand, and wrist. You must be able to move all body parts that are not limited by the brace.
- The brace becomes loose and does not provide support to your arm.
- The brace gets wet, dirty, damaged, or broken.
- A discharge or odour coming from the skin under the brace.
- Your skin breaks down or becomes sore.
- You need a replacement material.
- You have any concerns regarding the brace.
Contact Information
University Hospital of North Tees
Orthopaedic Outpatients/Plaster Room
Monday to Friday: 9:00am to 4:30pm
Telephone: 01429 522590
University Hospital of Hartlepool
Orthopaedic Outpatients/Plaster Room
Monday to Friday: 9:00am to 4:30pm
Telephone: 01429 522590
Physiotherapy Appointment Queries
Telephone: 01429 522471
Monday to Friday: 9:00am to 4:30pm
Stop Smoking Service
Telephone: 01642 383818 / 01642 383819
Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm
Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints
Patient Experience Team (PET)
We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Team is here to try to resolve your concerns. The office is based at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. Our contact details are:
Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm
Email: [email protected]
Out of hours
Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.
Telephone: 01642 617617
Patient, Public and People with Lived Experience
We are looking for patients to share their experiences of healthcare and to join our Involvement Bank. Working with the patients, carers, families and the general population we support in making decisions about their care can lead to better health outcomes, increased patient satisfaction and a better overall experience. We want to listen and work with you in shaping the future of your healthcare services. To find out more about the Involvement Bank go to our website or contact us at:
Website: www.nth.nhs.uk/about/community/people-with-lived-experience
Email: [email protected]
Data protection and use of patient information
The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.
Telephone: 01642 383551
Email: [email protected]
Privacy NoticesLeaflet feedback
This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team at:
Email: [email protected]
Leaflet reference: PIL1592 version 1
Date for Review: 27th October 2028