What does a humerus brace do?
Sarmiento Brace for Humeral Fracture
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A Sarmiento brace is used to stabilize a fracture in your upper arm while leaving your elbow free, allowing motion in your forearm and hand. Promoting the recovery of long-bone humerus fractures, the clamshell Sarmiento brace compresses your surrounding muscles and soft tissues.
How long do you have to wear a humerus brace?
General Treatment
Your orthopaedic surgeon will switch you from your splint to an adjustable brace (called a Sarmiento brace) at around 1-3 weeks after your injury. This brace is typically worn full time for at least 6 weeks and possibly up to 12 weeks.
Should a humerus brace be tight?
The humerus brace must be fairly tight to achieve the desired stabilisation and support, so the aim is to get the brace as tight as possible without reducing circulation. Any pins and needles or numbness are signs that the brace is too tight and should be loosened immediately.
What is a humeral fracture brace?
A humeral fracture orthosis is designed to immobilise a fractured humerus (upper arm bone) to assist with healing. A humeral fracture orthosis will be fitted by a professional orthotist upon request from a doctor and is usually worn 24 hours a day for up to 6 weeks or longer.
Can you move your arm with a fractured humerus?
Humerus fractures are usually caused by traumas like car accidents or falls. If you break your humerus, you might need surgery to repair your bone. Some people can recover without surgery and only need a splint, cast or sling. You’ll need physical therapy to regain your ability to move your arm.
Can you fully recover from a humerus fracture?
Humerus Shaft Fracture
The doctor will tell you how long to wear the cast or splint and will remove it at the right time. It may take several weeks to several months for the broken arm to heal completely. Rehabilitation involves gradually increasing activities to restore muscle strength, joint motion and flexibility.
How can you tell if a humerus fracture is healing?
An X-ray of the shoulder will be taken on a weekly or biweekly (every two weeks) basis to confirm the fracture is healing properly. Surgery usually involves fixation of the fracture fragments with plates, screws or pins. Severe fractures with previous arthroscopy (joint degeneration) may require shoulder replacement.
Do you need to wear a brace at all times when you break your humerus?
Most upper arm breaks are in the middle of the bone and will heal without surgery. You will need to wear a sling or brace until your arm heals. This will protect and support your broken arm, and keep you from movements that could re-injure yourself. Follow any instructions your health care provider gives you.
How long does it take a humerus fracture to heal?
The broken bone will take 3 to 4 months to heal. During this time, you will need to perform exercises to regain range of motion, strength, and return to normal activities. Even if surgery is performed, recovery of full function often takes as long as 18 months.
What should you not do with a broken humerus?
NO BATHING OR SHOWERING.
Do not try to raise your arm A fractured Humerus can be very mobile. You may feel or hear the bone moving; this is not unusual but by allowing your arm to relax from the shoulder and hang loose may reduce or even prevent this from happening.