How long does a distal humerus fracture take to heal?
Most patients can return to their normal activities within about 6 months, although full healing can take up to 2 years. Recovering strength in your arm often takes longer than might be expected—sometimes up to 6 months or more.
What is the classification of this distal humerus fracture?
The AO/OTA classification of distal humeral fractures is one of the most frequently used systems for classifying distal humeral fractures. The AO classification divides distal humeral fractures into three groups, A, B and C with complexity and severity increasing 1.
What is a Type 3 supracondylar humerus fracture?
Gartland originally described a classification for extension-type supracondylar humerus fractures, dividing them into three types: type I is non-displaced, type II is displaced with an intact posterior cortex, and type III is displaced without cortical contact [2, 5].
What is intercondylar fracture of humerus?
Background: Intercondylar fracture of humerus is one of the commonest fractures of young adult and counts for about 30% of all elbow fractures. The treatment of these fractures continues to present challenges despite advances in internal fixation.
Can you move your arm with a distal humerus fracture?
A distal humerus fracture is a break in the lower end of the upper arm bone (humerus), one of the three bones that come together to form the elbow joint. A fracture in this area can be very painful and make moving the elbow impossible.
How do you sleep with a distal humerus fracture?
Though it may be uncomfortable, try sleeping, as much as possible, in a seated/upright position. Lying flat may allow the bone to move and bend, even in a cast. 3. Put your injured arm through any sleeves.
What is the most common type of distal humeral fracture?
Distal humerus fractures most commonly involve both medial and lateral columns. Single condylar fractures make up approximately 5% of distal humerus fractures. Epicondylar and coronal shear fractures of the articular surface are less commonly observed.
What is distal to the humerus bone?
The lower end of the humerus bone is called the distal part, or “distal humerus.” The distal humerus has cartilage at the end of it, which is part of the upper part of the elbow joint. The other bones that make up the lower part of the elbow joint are the ulna and the radius.
What is a Type 2 supracondylar humerus fracture?
Type 2 – angulation present but a posterior bony hinge remains intact. Type 3 – complete displacement with no bony hinge. Periosteum is usually intact. Type 4 – a controversial category describing a fracture that is unstable in flexion and extension, implying a lack of intact periosteum.
What type of supracondylar fracture is most common?
Extension type supracondylar fractures are more common than flexion type injuries, and are subdivided by Gartland (10) on the basis of displacement extent. Type I are undisplaced fractures: often in these cases the fracture line is not easily visible and the fat pad sign could help for obtain a proper diagnosis.
What does Intercondylar extension mean?
[in″ter-kon´dĭ-lar] between two condyles.
Where is the intercondylar fracture?
Intercondylar fractures are usually caused by heavy impact to the hand or elbow. Regarding the mechanism of this fracture, Evans described the olecranon acting as a wedge between the humeral condyles, prying them apart and displacing them.