Humeral Shaft Fracture (broken arm)

What has happened?

You have broken on the bone in your upper arm
These fractures often heal without surgery, although some may require further management

Your arm will be swollen and sore, and you will likely develop bruising in your upper arm - this may also go down to your forearm and fingers, which is normal
You will be placed in a special cast or sling and this is to help the bone ends heal in line
Return to work or sport typically takes 8-12 weeks, and is dependant on the broken arm being completely healed - especially if work requires heavy lifting

Take regular pain relief (e.g. paracetamol and ibuprofen) as needed
Leave your arm in the sling until instructed otherwise by the orthopaedic team
Keep your fingers and wrist moving as often as you can
If your fracture is not displaced (the bone is not moved out of the correct alignment) then you will be advised to start some gentle arm exercises after about a week - 'pendulum exercises' (stand and lean forward, relaxing your injured arm towards the ground, then make small side to side, forwards and back and circular movements with your injured arm).
If you are placed in a plaster cast, keep this dry at all times by putting a plastic bag over your cast and securing it with tape before showering.

Yes, a follow-up appointment in the Orthopaedic Clinic will be requested when you leave the Emergency Department (ED) and you will be contacted regarding a date and time

If your injury is not settling or you have other concerns, you should first see your GP - take your ACC form/number with you
Please seek medical attention if you experience the following:
- Increasing pain in the hand
- Numbness or tingling in the hand
- Your fingers go cold or turn blue white, in comparison to the other hand
- You are unable to move your fingers