The humerus is the body’s largest bone. It’s located between your elbow and shoulder and has various sections that allow it to move freely. The humerus supports and moves.
Some Facts about Humerus
Your arm’s longest bone is called the humerus. Long bones include the femur in the upper thigh, the radius and ulna in the forearm, and the tibia and fibula in the pelvis.
It’s not your humerus that you hit when you injure your “funny bone,” despite the common misconception. The ulnar nerve, which is located behind the elbow, is being compressed.
Your arms and hands are more fragile as a result. This is due to the fact that we prefer to rely on particular components of our bodies to withstand the shock of a hit or cushion us during a fall.
The Humerus: What Its Structure Is Like and What Functions It Performs
You only have one bone in your upper arm, and it’s called the humerus. It’s located in between your shoulder and your elbow.
In order to better understand your humerus, you need familiarize yourself with the following terms:
- * Proximal: It is the section of the humerus is nearest to your shoulder.
- Body or shaft: It is the prolonged middle part of the humerus.
- Distal: The lowest piece of the humerus nearby to your elbow.
The humerus has the above sections. They include:
- Head
- Tubercles
- Surgical neck
- Trochlea
- Fossae
Function of Humerus
The humerus serves two essential purposes, and these are the terms “movement” and “support.” Let’s discuss each of them.
The humerus’ connections at the shoulder and elbow allow for a wide range of arm movements, including:
- Raising your arm away from your body (termed abduction)
- Bending your+(flexion)
- Straightening your elbow (extension)
- Lowering your arm back to your body
- Rotation of shoulder joint
- Moving your arm in from of your torso
Your humerus is necessary for support as well as numerous arm movements. At various points along its length, the humerus serves as an attachment point for the muscles of the shoulder and arm.
Injuries of the Humerus
Fractures to the humerus are a basic way of humerus injury. A fracture of the humerus is categorized according to its location:
- A split in your humerus that happens nearest to your shoulder is called a proximal fracture.
- A split in your humerus that happens nearest to your shoulder is called a proximal fracture. A fracture in the middle of the humeral shaft or body is known to as a mid-shaft or middle break.
- A fracture of the distal humerus takes place near the very end of the humerus, close to where it connects to the elbow.
The Sources of Your Humerus Break
Direct trauma, such as that experienced in contact sports or automobile accidents, is the most common cause of humerus fractures. The humerus can be cracked if you fall on an outstretched arm.
Pathologic fractures due to osteoporosis or cancer are one possible cause of a humerus fracture in relation to the underlying health problem.
Symptoms of Humerus Fractures
These are common humerus fracture symptoms:
- A cracking or snapping sound that occurs at the time of the arm injury
- Discomfort can be intense and often grows worse with movement
- Swelling
- Decreased range of motion
- Bruising
- A visible lump on your upper arm
Treatment for Humerus Fractures
The fracture’s severity will determine the type of therapy. The following treatment options may be available either alone or in combination:
- Physiotherapy to maintain or improve the affected arm’s strength, flexibility, and range of motion
- Surgical repair of severe fractures with plates and screws
- Pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Conclusion
It’s helpful to have a fundamental understanding of your body. The human body has many bones that function together to allow for movement and structural integrity. However, as was previously stated, the humerus can break or other bone issues can occur.
If you face any issue related to your bones, you may need to consult an expert Orthopedic surgeon. To consult the best orthopedic surgeon in Lahore, visit MARHAM.PK.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1- What is the recovery time for a humerus fracture?
Your healing time will depend on your injuries and health. A humerus fracture might take anywhere from eight to twelve weeks to heal and keep in mind that physical treatment may be required for several months after that.
2- What is metastatic bone disease?
When cancer spreads to the bones from another part of the body, such as the lungs or breast, it is known as metastatic bone disease. The humerus is typically affected, according to the surgeons.
3- What does radial nerve injury mean?
The radial nerve crosses your arm. A radial nerve injury can occur due to a humerus fracture, especially if the fracture is in the central or distal section of the humer.
Several things can cause arm pain, and injury or overuse are typical causes. The pain may begin suddenly and then fade away or progressively worsen depending on the grounds.
