Signs
1. Evaluate Radial Nerve function
Management: Manipulative reduction with local anesthetic
1. Pitfalls
  1. Avoid distraction of Fracture fragments
2. Patient positioning
  1. Patient sits on stool, leaning forward
  2. Support wrist to overcome apprehension
  3. Elbow should hang free at 90 degrees flexion
3. Reduction Technique
  1. Weight of arm alone may reduce Fracture
  2. Gentle traction downward at wrist
  3. Countertraction with a sling around axilla
  4. Assistant holds axilla sling and thumb
4. Confirm end-to-end apposition
  1. Apply upward pressure on elbow
  2. Telescoping Humerus indicates apposition not secure
Management: Splint Immobilization
1. U-Shaped splint "Sugar-Tong"
  1. Splint medially from axilla to elbow
  2. Closed end of "U" under elbow
  3. Splint over lateral arm to Shoulder
2. Ace wrap around splinted arm
3. May swath by strapping Humerus to chest
Prognosis
1. Heals in 8 to 10 weeks
2. Heals well with closed reduction (non-operative)

Family Practice Notebook

Patients should address specific medical concerns with their physicians.

Although access to this page is not restricted, the information found here is intended for use by medical providers.

This page was written by Scott Moses, MD, last revised on 10/21/2007 and last published on 5/14/2013.

This is one of 5887 pages in the Family Practice Notebook