Fracture Care · Shoulder & arm
Humeral shaft fracture
Humeral Shaft Fracture (Broken Upper Arm) — Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF)
The condition
The humerus is the upper arm bone. A humeral shaft fracture is a break along its long middle part, usually from a fall or direct blow. The radial nerve, which lifts the wrist and fingers, wraps closely around this bone and can be stretched by the injury. Surgery is advised when the break is unstable or unlikely to heal well in a brace.
The surgery
Through an incision on the front, side, or back of the arm, the bone is lined up and held with a metal plate and screws. Depending on the incision location, the radial nerve is sometimes found, but always protected during surgery. Some fractures are instead held with a rod (nail) inside the bone. The final plan is determined during surgery.
Recovery at a glance
- Sling
- For comfort only, typically 1–2 weeks. Shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand motion start right away.
- Daily life
- Desk work often within 1–2 weeks. Lift only 1–2 lb, with no pushing or pulling, for 6 weeks; leaning on a walker or crutches is usually allowed. No driving while taking narcotic pain medication.
- Bone healing
- Healing is checked on x-ray around 6 weeks; lifting up to 10 lb and strengthening then begin. Report any new wrist or finger weakness right away.
- Activity
- Full release typically 3–4 months; throwing and contact sports once healed and strength returns.
A general guide. Your restrictions and timeline may change based on what is found and done at surgery.
Risks & benefits
Benefits: A plate gives the arm stable support so you can move the shoulder and elbow early, and most fractures heal reliably. Risks are uncommon and include infection, blood clots, radial nerve irritation causing wrist or finger weakness (usually temporary), the bone healing slowly or not at all, hardware irritation that may require removal, injury to nearby structures (such as nerves or blood vessels), stiffness, persistent pain, and the need for further surgery. These will be reviewed with you in detail before surgery.
Patient Surgical Information
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Before & after every surgery