Distal third humeral shaft fractures

[jdesouza]

Hello,
A friend broke his humerus while snow boarding and is trying to decide whether to have surgery to insert a plate or just put in the cast. The doctors said that the bones are pretty well aligned so non-surgical treatment is definitely an option but that surgery would speed the recovery and ensure correct healing. In reading about it, it seems that non-surgical treatment results in about a 9degree deformity. My question is what are the ramifications of that deformity? Does your arm look bent? Do you lose flexibility or range of motion?
Thank you

[Michael L Gross, MD]

Many studies demonstrate a higher healing rate with non-surgical treatment. The complication rate, particularly nerve entrapment is also lower. However, as you have noted, the risk of deformity is greater, although 9 degrees is not significant. The actual decision to go ahead with surgery should include questions about the patients age, activity level, degree of deformity now present, and general health

[jdesouza]

He is young (29 years old) has no nerve entrapment and the bones are anatomically well aligned so it makes the decision easier.
Thank you for the response that is very helpful.