Humerus Neck Fracture Fixation

Humerus neck fracture fixation refers to a surgical procedure aimed at repairing a fracture in the neck region of the humerus, the upper arm’s long bone. This area, situated close to the shoulder joint, is particularly vulnerable to injury, often resulting from falls or direct impacts. The fixation process typically involves the use of medical devices like screws, plates, pins, or rods to stabilise the bone, allowing it to heal correctly.

This procedure is considered when non-surgical treatments, such as casting or splinting, are deemed insufficient for the type and severity of the fracture.

Humerus neck fracture fixation is typically considered in situations where the fracture poses a risk of improper healing or when non-surgical methods are insufficient. Several factors influence the decision to opt for surgical fixation:

• Displacement of the Fracture
  If the bone fragments are not aligned (displaced fracture), surgical fixation is often required to realign and stabilise them.
• Fracture Severity
  Complex fractures, such as those with multiple fragments or involvement of the joint surface, often require surgical intervention.
• Patient Factors
  Age, overall health, activity level, and other medical conditions can affect the decision. For instance, younger, more active individuals might benefit from surgery to ensure a full return to their pre-injury level of activity.
• Non-union or Malunion Risks
  In cases where there is a high risk of the bone not healing correctly (non-union) or healing in the wrong position (malunion), surgery is often the preferred option.
• Osteoporosis
  In patients with osteoporosis, the weakened bone might not support non-surgical treatment methods, making surgical fixation a more viable option.

During a humerus neck fracture fixation surgery, patients can expect the following steps:

• Anaesthesia: The procedure is typically performed under general anaesthesia, meaning the patient will be asleep and not feel any pain during the surgery.
• Incision: The orthopaedic surgeon will make an incision near the site of the fracture. The location and size of the incision depend on the specific nature of the fracture.
• Fixation: The orthopaedic surgeon will reposition the bone fragments into their normal alignment. Metal hardware such as screws, plates, rods, or pins are then used to hold the bone fragments in place.
• Closure: Once the fracture is secured, the incision is closed with sutures or staples.

Postoperative care and rehabilitation are crucial for a successful recovery following humerus neck fracture fixation. This phase typically involves:

• Pain Management
  Some degree of pain is common as a postoperative experience but varies in intensity. The orthopaedic surgeon will provide medications and guidance on managing discomfort.
• Wound Care
  Patients will receive instructions on how to care for the surgical site to prevent infection and promote healing.
• Physical Therapy
  Rehabilitation often begins shortly after surgery. Physical therapy is essential to regain strength and range of motion in the arm and shoulder.
• Activity Modification
  Initially, patients may need to modify their activities to avoid putting stress on the healing bone. Gradually, more activities can be reintroduced as healing progresses.
• Follow-Up Appointments
  Regular follow-up with the orthopaedic surgeon is important to monitor the progress of healing and to address any concerns.
• Home Exercises
  In addition to formal physical therapy, patients may be advised to perform certain exercises at home to enhance their recovery.
• Long-Term Care
  Full recovery can take several months. Patients should adhere to the guidelines provided by their orthopaedic surgeon to ensure the best possible outcome.