RE: Humerus fracture recovery
|
Users viewing this topic:
none
|
|
Logged in as: Guest
|
Login  | |
|
RE: Humerus fracture recovery - 4/18/2008 8:34:02 PM
|
|
|
vinci1238
Posts: 5
Joined: 3/6/2008
Status: offline
|
Sorry about the arm. I think ppl have all gotten better and have abandoned the db. Whatever you decide or learn, maybe it can help future ppl with the same injury if u post.
(in reply to tprice1980)
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Humerus fracture recovery - 4/22/2008 5:48:38 PM
|
|
|
paulpauly
Posts: 4
Joined: 4/22/2008
Status: offline
|
I wished I found this thread prior to my accident. I broke my arm through arm wrestling a week and a half ago. I was as shocked as anyone. The pain was unbelievable. It happened at work. I tend to be labeled as the big guy since no one else really works out like I do (or did). We hired a new guy who is also kind of big. Well, it became a mob mentality and all my co-workers wanted to see us go at it. There was a voice inside telling me no because I have a history of rotator cuff issues as well as elbow plus I had recently eased up on power training and was doing more cardio because my blood pressure is high. Unfortunately, I let my concern about what my co-workers thought outweigh my other concerns, a mistake I will never make again. Well, we went at it for ten seconds or so, he had an initial advantage on me, I pushed back and then my humerus just snapped. I felt my training career flash before me. I am about 245, bench of around 300 or so and I was shocked my arm broke so easy.
I opted to go for surgery. It was a tough choice, surgery or heal natural. Both have their pluses and minuses. It seems many on here opted for no surgery, I just hope I made the right decision. I am 36 years old and hugely passionate about lifting. Most people in my life seemed to think this was the route to go, surgery, especially if I was interested in continuing to be healthy and work out heavy like I am used to. I got a plate and 10 screws put in. There is no doubt the recovery period is quicker this way, but I just hope I can eventually get my full range of motion back. I am pretty limited with how far I can bend my elbow right now, I can’t even eat or fix my hair. Hopefully physical therapy will help with this. The surgery was only a week ago too so I shouldn’t be too impatient. I just hope I can get back to the gym soon. The doctor says it takes about 3 to 4 months for the bone to fully calcify. It is so hard to wait!
(in reply to vinci1238)
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Humerus fracture recovery - 4/23/2008 7:12:53 PM
|
|
|
vinci1238
Posts: 5
Joined: 3/6/2008
Status: offline
|
I wonder what the advantage is to either procedure, natural vs surgery on the long term outcomes in terms of strength, ROM?
(in reply to paulpauly)
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Humerus fracture recovery - 4/23/2008 7:34:03 PM
|
|
|
paulpauly
Posts: 4
Joined: 4/22/2008
Status: offline
|
I wish I knew all of that beforehand. In the research I had done, there seems to be valid arguments for both methods. I will find out soon enough if the plate was a good idea or not. I certainly hope so.
(in reply to vinci1238)
|
|
|
|
RE: Humerus fracture recovery - 4/23/2008 9:15:41 PM
|
|
|
DC4ever
Posts: 1
Status: offline
|
While I am not really a body builder, I found this thread trying to find out why my arm still hurts so bad even though the break in my humerus is healing well. I had a small fracture in my upper humerus on 4/8/08. While my arm does not hurt where the fracture is, the lower part of my upper arm is still very bruised and hurts severely. While it is improving, I still cannot lift my arm past my chest and cannot lift anything. Is this normal? What is hurting? It feels like the muscle but why does that hurt so much from a small fracture at the top of my humerous? Any help would be appreciated.
_____________________________
DC
(in reply to WS18)
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Humerus fracture recovery - 4/24/2008 2:18:39 PM
|
|
|
paulpauly
Posts: 4
Joined: 4/22/2008
Status: offline
|
I know it's not saying much, but the best thing is to check with your doctor. You want to make sure nothing else is going on that you are not aware of.
(in reply to DC4ever)
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Humerus fracture recovery - 5/18/2008 8:38:16 PM
|
|
|
djgerma
Posts: 1
Joined: 5/18/2008
Status: offline
|
I broke my humerus (spiral fracture) on april 10th of '08 and it has been about 6 weeks now. I was suppose to have plate put in my arm but with some luck my bone started healing properly by itself. Doc told me It will take some time before I will be able to move my arm more than just few inches (from my side to my stomach). I took his advice and I dont move my arm much but I had no real problems lifing my arm in any direction (except for a little stiffness). I dont know if I should start doing some controlled movements with my arm or to just keep it in one place. By the way here is the link to the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UK0hKDIRtv8
Another question is, since I cannot do much with my upper body, should I focus on my legs? Would it be safe? I dont see any problems other than watching out so I dont bump my arm or something. I am gettin bored at home without gym.
(in reply to paulpauly)
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Humerus fracture recovery - 5/19/2008 3:28:40 AM
|
|
|
Lynx100
Posts: 1649
Joined: 2/24/2005
Status: offline
|
I say all the time - but "too much" rest is NEVER going to be bad for you if you have injury.
I think you will find that its very difficult to do any leg exercises (machine or free weights) without using your arms in some way, shape or form. I know its boring, but what you are potentially risking by hitting the gym again before your arm is 100% healed is a lifetime of pain, suffering and limited use of your shoulder - its a risk just not worth taking.
Listen to your doctor, stay away from the gym until you are completely medically cleared. You will thank yourself later. Trust me.
(in reply to djgerma)
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Humerus fracture recovery - 5/23/2008 7:03:27 PM
|
|
|
vinci1238
Posts: 5
Joined: 3/6/2008
Status: offline
|
edit
< Message edited by vinci1238 -- 5/23/2008 7:26:08 PM >
(in reply to DC4ever)
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Humerus fracture recovery - 5/23/2008 7:25:40 PM
|
|
|
vinci1238
Posts: 5
Joined: 3/6/2008
Status: offline
|
quote:
Is this normal? What is hurting? It feels like the muscle but why does that hurt so much from a small fracture at the top of my humerous? Any help would be appreciated.
Did you seek medical attention yet? Paul is right nonetheless, but i was just curious at your complaint. Usu nerves are irritated farther downstream, when it was my fracture, my back forearm (hairy side) was stinging on a specific strip (this is a region of the radial n, the most likely nerve in a mid arm fx), but i felt pain afterwards, just some numbness to this day. Please share what ur doc has said, it may help others.
(in reply to DC4ever)
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Humerus fracture recovery - 5/28/2008 8:46:13 AM
|
|
|
jamie
Posts: 2
Joined: 5/28/2008
Status: offline
|
hi all. I am a 38 year old male, slim in build and generally fit.
I have been reading the forum for the last 6 weeks and 4 days since my accident. i fell off a quad bike and fractured my humerus in half, it was a clean break straight through 90 degrees across the length of the bone... to be honest there wasn't much pain, but i did have morphine which was interesting, anyway A&E put a U type cast on my arm which dragged everything down inc. my shoulder and in fact within a matter of days the two ends of the humerus had nearly aligned, there was still a gap of about 1/2 centimeter apart, but much improved since the day of the accident. luckily my wife is a homeopath so put me on arnica straight away. arnica helps the body deal with trauma, this helps my body then transition into the healing stages.. anyway, after week 1 my wife put me on 'ruta' which is good for bone alignment and also tissue salts to help strengthen the bones... i went to see the surgeon on week 3 and finally agreed to have a plate fitted, so my date was booked... i was apprehensive to say the least, the day came and i went for the operation, the surgeon checked me and asked me to have another x-ray, so i did... anyway, the news came back that i was actually healing and new bone was forming, so the decision was made not to operate... relief!!!!! so now 6 weeks and 4 days gone, or 3 since i went for the operation that luckily never was, and although i am wearing a humerus brace and at times a sling, all seems to be going well... i am able to curl about 1KG and can see movement in my biceps, my arm is able to hang nearly straight (170 degrees). i am in no way fixed but making great progress. i have physiotherapy nearly everyday and am trying to use my arm as much as possible. of course my muscles have deteriorated as has the movement in my shoulder, but both will come back soon. i am seeing the surgeon again in 2 days time and will update you all then... but as far as i am concerned, to recover quickly and efficiently , you should allow your body to heal itself, have a healthy diet, be positive, don't smoke or drink alcohol during your recovery and see a homeopath. i reckon within the next 2 weeks i will be about 75% back to normal. email me if you want to chat about anything because i know i wanted to speak to anyone who also had the same injury..
(in reply to vinci1238)
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Humerus fracture recovery - 5/30/2008 11:13:52 PM
|
|
|
RiseAgainst
Posts: 1
Joined: 5/4/2008
Status: offline
|
Discovered this forum after fracturing my left humerus in Februrary. Looks like for many people on this forum, arm wresting was the cause of the fracture. Seems apparent people who use their less dominant arm tend to have a higher likelihood of fracture.
Due to the rarity of this type of fracture in the general population, I was not able to find up to date conclusive information regarding treatment options. Most of the information on the Internet are dated. This is a way I can provide information regarding my own experiences dealing with this type of fracture. My goal is to help those who are dealing with the same injury to make the most informed choice regarding treatments.
After the trip to the emergency room, I discovered it was a spiral fracture on the distal (lower) portion of my left humerus. The initial pain was tremendous (9 out of 10); any movement resulted in severe pain. I had to wait 4 days, what seemed like an eternity before visiting an orthopedic surgeon due the time of my fracture. (Presidents day weekend) The first week was grueling, even with the help of vicodin, the pain was very apparent. My hand was so swollen that it looked like the hand of an obese person. This was probably due to all the bone marrow and leaking broken blood vessels.
At 25 years old being 5’10 and weighing 165lbs, I was normally able incline press 70 lb (31 Kg) dumbbells at the peak of my strength. Doing 4 sets at 12 repetitions. My max bench was close to 300lbs. Needless to say I was in really good shape for my size and weight.
The emergency room doctor recommended surgery after very briefly reviewing my ex-rays. Knowing the sad state of the American Health Care System, I realize I needed a second opinion. My fate wasn’t going to be left to any emergency room doctor who probably gets paid for referring patients to a particular doctor. Luckily, a good family friend happened to be a retired orthopedic surgeon and referred me to one of his good colleagues, a very qualified doctor and professor at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine.
Dr. John Itamura, an Orthopedic Surgeon and Specialist in elbow and shoulder injuries was adamantly against surgical treatment for my fracture. His qualifications and knowledge in the field are renowned. Being a sports surgeon on call for the U.S.C. sports programs, I knew there were few other doctors with his experience. Dr. Itamura had patients who’ve treated humerus fractures with surgery and ones who’ve treated them without. In his opinion, the patients who have not opted for surgery had overall better long-term results. One of the reasons for his opinion is the distal (lower) area of fracture on the humerus. The radial nerve intersects the area and there is a good chance surgery could cause nerve palsy or hand drop. Even though many of cases of Radial Palsy were not permanent, I was told not to risk it. Surgery, no matter how minor should not be taken lightly. Once its done, you cannot undo its effects.
I was outfitted with fracture brace (saramento brace). This allowed me to move my elbow joint, minimize elbow stiffness. Another recommended treatment was daily use of an ultra sound bone stimulator, the EXOGEN 4000. The bone stimulator helps faster bone regeneration and is supposed to cut down the healing time in half. It is a device commonly used by professional athletes.
As the x rays will show, my fracture looks very severe and to the untrained eye will warrant surgery. However, due to the thickness of my arm, from an exterior view, my fracture is not noticeable.
Today, meerly 3 1/2 months from the time of fracture, I can say that my arm strength is almost 100%. I am very confident it will get back to normal in terms of strength. Overtime, the body will heal the trauma. Doing light strengthening exercise, I have been taking it easy for the first 3 months. My range of movement (ROM) has gotten completely back to normal. I’m also able to take off my brace is less than 2 months! Overtime, especially your bones will heal itself without scaring, the body is constantly breaking down and creating new bone cells.
The only downside to my non-surgical treatment is that my left arm is no longer completely straight. Meaning it is not 100% symmetrical to my right arm. According to the last xray taken on 3/22/08, it an 32 degree or angular deformity. Its only noticeable however, at certain angles when I completely hyper extend my arm. I doubt that no one can notice unless I point it out due to its subtleness. Hardly anyone extends their arm to that degree for a prolonged period unless they're a gymnist or ballet dancer. Functionally my arm is completely normal.
Haven't had a chance to take another x ray. Due to the high cost of each doctor visit and the corrupt american health insurance companies, I've opted out of visiting a doctors until I find employment with better health care.
Hope this helps those who’re going through the same type of injury. This is to show even with a fracture as bad as mine, it is still possible to treat theinjury without surgery and have wonderful results. I will take more pictures of arm to show it that it looks very normal.
< Message edited by RiseAgainst -- 5/30/2008 11:17:22 PM >
(in reply to vinci1238)
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Humerus fracture recovery - 5/31/2008 2:00:35 AM
|
|
|
jamie
Posts: 2
Joined: 5/28/2008
Status: offline
|
a 7 week update.. i visited my surgeon yesterday and i was thinking, great, all will be very much healed and i'll be told to to start building my strength up.... anyway, that was not to be. the scans showed that although i have good callus formation and new bone forming i am still at the risk of a fibrous union, so i must continue to be as careful as i was 7 weeks ago - I am healing but not healed. i guess i must not be impatient. i will continue with physio to ensure i have ROM in my shoulder and elbow but beyond that i wont do much more until i see my surgeon again in a couple of weeks. i have 2 scans, one from week 3 and one from yesterday - not the best quality, but you can see the fracture and the new bone forming..
 Attachment (1)
(in reply to RiseAgainst)
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Humerus fracture recovery - 7/8/2008 10:07:21 AM
|
|
|
nomlas
Posts: 1
Joined: 7/8/2008
Status: offline
|
Hi everyone, I'm a 28 yr old female, also broke my humerus (spiral fracture) arm wrestling. That was 14 months ago. I had surgery the day after the break, and now I have 2 plates and 15 screws in my arm. I got my ROM and most of my strength back within ~5 months, but I am still experiencing pain with any activity that puts impact on my arm, or involves any sudden twisting movement with it. For instance, throwing a frisbee and playing tennis are both quite painful, actually pretty much impossible. The pain occurs in my elbow and shoudler, simultaneously.
Have any of you experienced this? Any thoughts on what it might be?
(in reply to jamie)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advertisement
|
|
|
|
|
 New Messages |
 No New Messages |
 Hot Topic w/ New Messages |
 Hot Topic w/o New Messages |
 Locked w/ New Messages |
 Locked w/o New Messages |
|
 Post New Thread
Reply to Message
Post New Poll
Submit Vote
Delete My Own Post
Delete My Own Thread
Rate Posts |
|
|
Printable Version
