Surgical Neck Fracture Of The Humerus

Fracture of the Surgical Neck of the Humerus

A fracture of the surgical neck of the humerus is one of the most common upper limb injuries, particularly in older adults. It affects the area of the humerus just below its anatomical neck. Such fractures can result from a simple fall onto an outstretched arm or from more severe trauma (e.g., a car accident or sports injury). In older age, osteoporosis—where bone density decreases and bones become more fragile—significantly increases this risk.

What Happens During a Fracture

Because the surgical neck is a weaker point of the humerus, even minor stress can cause cracks or a complete fracture. Patients typically experience sharp pain in the shoulder, along with swelling and bruising. There may also be numbness in the hand or forearm if nearby nerves are compressed.

To confirm a diagnosis, a trauma specialist orders X-rays or CT scans to assess the degree of fragment displacement and the condition of the surrounding soft tissues. In some cases, an MRI is used for a more detailed look at the ligaments and tendons around the shoulder joint.

Conservative and Surgical Treatment

In mild cases without bone fragment displacement, immobilization—using a specialized sling or cast—may be sufficient. This allows the fracture to heal naturally over 4–8 weeks. Regular follow-up X-rays help ensure that the fragments remain properly aligned.

If the fracture involves significant displacement or poses a risk to nerves or blood vessels, surgery is often the preferred option. Several surgical methods are available:

• Plate and Screw Osteosynthesis: Used for complex fractures with multiple fragments.
• Intramedullary Osteosynthesis: A metal rod (nail) is inserted into the bone’s marrow cavity for stable fixation.
• Endoprosthesis: If the joint area is severely damaged, an artificial shoulder joint may be required.

Studies published in international orthopedic journals show that surgical intervention for fractures of the surgical neck of the humerus can restore up to 80–90% of arm function within the first year, provided the patient undergoes appropriate rehabilitation and has no serious comorbidities.

Importance of Rehabilitation

Regardless of the treatment choice, a well-structured rehabilitation program is crucial. It typically includes:

• Physical Therapy (PT): Exercises to gradually increase range of motion and strengthen the shoulder girdle muscles.
• Physiotherapy: Methods like electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and magnetic therapy to reduce pain and speed up tissue healing.
• Massage: Improves blood circulation and muscle elasticity, promoting a faster return of movement in the joint.

The earlier rehabilitation begins, the higher the chances of a full or near-full recovery. According to the International Association of Traumatologists, patients who start exercises by the second or third day after acute pain subsides see a 20–30% faster improvement compared to those who remain immobilized for an extended period.

Alisa Health Group offers comprehensive services for treatment and rehabilitation in leading medical centers. We collaborate with specialists who have extensive experience in traumatology and orthopedics, utilizing advanced recovery methods to help patients regain mobility and quality of life.