I broke my proximal humerus about 7 years ago, at 63. Probably the most pain I have ever had. Yes, my arm was bruised from shoulder to elbow. I was on painkillers round the clock for the first 3 weeks and only managed to sleep propped up on pillows waking up every couple hours. For anyone going through this it does get better even if it feels like hell at first.
That's reassuring I'm week ten and feel like a pack of dogs are chewing my arm off.Doing all the exercises with phsio. Makes it feel worse..Presuming muscle, nerve damage as bone is healing. Thank you:)
I’m 9 weeks into a shoulder fracture of the greater tuberosity and glenoid. I’ve been doing my Physio exercises everyday. Function is still limited but getting better each day. I’ve been filming one of my exercises each day so I can keep track of it to show my Physiotherapist. I’m so determined to get this shoulder back to full functionality. The exercises are so important. Keep doing them EVERY DAY!
I fractured mine Sunday evening, and have no insurance. I paid to have an X-Ray. It is a lateral humeral head fracture. 16 mm of fragment displacement. I’m hoping it will heal up decent with a sling. Any tips?Did you have surgery? Thanks
Thanks so much for this video. I broke my proximal humerus two weeks ago - just saw surgeon today, and we decided to go the non-surgical route. EVERYTHING you shared echoed what I’ve experienced so far and what they told me. So that’s reassuring - which makes a huge difference when you’re going through something like this. Thank you again!
Thank you for this video. I fell and fractured my humerus in 3 places, had ORIF and am now at 14 weeks post surgery in PT. I never would have expected a recovery like this but your video has been a huge help!
I fell and broke my humorous I can't put my hands behind my back and like when you're in front of the judge I can't get my hand up all the way it goes crooked will this April 3rd and August will this change or is it budget is for the rest of my life
Great video again! After my surgery a year ago I am considered fully healed with about 75% rom, and still have some pain. The important thing is I can do pretty much everything I did before my accident. Biggest piece of advice, do as your physiotherapist tells you to do. Do your excersises!
Hi all. I’m into week 4 recovering from a 4 part proximal humerus fracture. I’ve started to remove the collar and cuff sling to rotate my wrist and bend my elbow. It’s been so tough especially the sleeping as I’ve been waking up every 2hrs! I would highly recommend a shoulder ice pack and a t shirt with pop buttons off Amazon as it’s so hard to change my clothes. Good luck guys with the healing!
My humerus fractured into two parts four months ago, necessitating surgery. I was armeressle with a friend when I had a sudden fracture. The doctor corrected it with internal fixation, and I began working out again after two months, quickly regaining my muscles. I understand that those who watch this video are likely to be injured or devastated. So I am happy to share my experience.
You guys were spot on with everything you said. I fell 5 months ago and I'm still fighting to get my full range of motion back. Feel free to emphasize the pain; the pain when I felt was the worst I've ever experienced in my life. 😮
I’m at the one year (and one day mark) from my fall. My rom is fair. Can’t reach behind my back or reach across my chest, but I can touch my head. My arm raise is kind of crooked. And man oh man, I delivered six boys, and the pain from this fracture is like nothing I have ever experienced in my life! Absolutely awful!
Never thought I’d be back on this site again, but I fell in my house and now have proximal humerus fracture. I just had hip replacement last June. This fracture not only broke me physically, but emotionally....I was just getting my life back and then bammm....I was multitasking and was walking briskly. With vans-like sneakers on...tripped over front of sneaker....face planted....3 stitches in lip, bruised ribs, black eye....bruising on arm. I’m going to watch this video at least 3 times.....when you said slow down....you are so right on!!!!! I’m into this 6 weeks so far. I take arm out of sling to let it hang. Little by little I’m doing things I could do at first...like using a can opener. Yikes another long road ahead. Your videos are wonderful. So grateful to both of you💐
Hi Linda. So sorry to hear this. Slow and steady will win this race. Start pendulum exercises then start using the good arm to gently move then broken one. Best of luck to you. And you’re very welcome. Thanks for watching and subscribing
@@TalkingWithDocs It’s true, slow and steady does win the race. I’ve always been New York fast and it doesn’t work with an aging Thal body (Beta Thalassemic Major here). I have to find your vid with the pendulum exercises. I’ve gone to 2 orthos...one wants full shoulder replacement (NJ doc) and the other wants reverse shoulder replacement (NY doc). I’ve had 3 surgeries in 6 years, and quite frankly, I need a rest (Pins in hip, Pins out of Hip, Hip replacement). Im following my inner voice and trying what my body would naturally do....if I’m in pain and have a severe ROM problem in 18 months, maybe I’ll consider surgery. Luckily, I have a childhood friend who is orthopedic surgeon and I sent him my X-ray and he knows what I’ve been through and he said wait. I never broke anything from 4-54 (except for bruised ribs and sternum from being a bit wild child-ish). I’m adjusting emotionally now but I’ve noticed I’ve lost length in my arm. Ughhh...this is exactly what happened with leg from hip fracture! Thank you for hearing me out. One thing medical doctors never talk about is nutrition, and that upsets me. Wish there would be more talk about that. I’m taking everything I can to help my body heal. Protein drinks,, Vitamin E, C, Zinc, Ca. I pray too and journal. Trying mantras too. I need my life back!!! Peace🖖🏽PS...at least with you can’t limp with one shorter arm...lol This is a easier for me than the Hip was. Still, trying. Thanks again.
Hi Linda, I have so much more respect for my arms now... I couldn't even open a bottle of water, much less jars or cans... slow down is a great piece of advice... everybody has been telling me that. I tend to move fast without thinking -- I'm from Jersey so it's second nature to move fast lol... so it's been a lesson! I find I talk to myself these days asking me to slooooow dooooown! Anyway, I found a D3+K2 bottle in would you believe Walmart? It's the Nature Made brand. The K2 helps take the D3 out of the bloodstream and into the bones. Also taking Liposomal C for quicker healing and Super C+D3+Zinc on other days. Arnica roll on gel is also a blessing and helped me through the first four weeks after the fall.
Great video. I listened it when I felt and didn’t know much about it I am 57 and never had experience a fracture in my life!! Same situation described by this great Docs . No surgery needed which I was glad. Spent the rest of Nov’23 until 30th of Dec sleeping if you call it, as I slept on my sofa seated! Gosh getting up every 2 h to walk and drink herbal teas… very hard. I am right handed and that was my broken arm. The sling worked well for 3/4 weeks but then hand/arm got swollen and painful. I took painkillers etc. Bone has healed. Physio started at 5 weeks. But my hand can’t get the flexibility yet. It’s like if it was made of concrete! Nearly 3 months. But I moved to my bed the 1st Jan’24 never mind the pain which is getting lesser . Winter in Scotland doesn’t help as I am very scare of falling . Hoping to go back to work soon but I use laptops for my job… I had been advised to try to get my hand more flexible.. anyway.. it’s a journey but amazing to see how our body recovers !! Best of luck and Tk you Docs again.
A good ortho surgeon is worth their weight in gold!! Had a significant shoulder fracture/dislocation a few years back. Had surgery, but was not making progress in PT. Decided to get a second opinion from a shoulder specialist. He fixed me up!! It was amazing.
There are so many good videos by These Docs and they listen to your questions and answer them as well. Thanks again Docs for being out there. Take care.
I luis broke my by cops but still suffering from it n getting worse n went back to work wit my dad n slam my elbow wit d door n it's affecting my shoulder also okdoc
I have been watching your RUclips channel for a couple years. It is outstanding. My wife is an emergency room nurse as well and loves it too. A week ago I broke my humerus and I am scheduled for surgery in two hours. Your video is very informative. Many the comments were disheartening but everybody’s different and I will do all the exercises I’m told. I love the videos, you guys are great. Thank you so much for putting difficult/technical information in layman’s terms. Blessings. Jeff
@@elsavaldivia1602 ouch those first few weeks are tough & painful! I am having physio now at week 8-9 but rather than pain I have dead arm aching feeling. I had a sports massage last week and although it hurt I had no cramping aching or pain that day or night! I presume it’s the healing process causing the aches/slight pain.
I fell this summer on wet concrete. Tried to catch myself on the way down on a nearby chair. Ended up fracturing my greater tuberosity and tore my supraspinatus. Luckily no surgery but it has been a long road to recovery. The trick is not to get impatient. Slow and steady wins the race.
I appreciate this video so much. I watched it right after breaking my greater tuberosity two months ago and it was by far the best info on wat t expect. I’ve been in PT for about a month and they are thrilled with my ROM. I still have trouble reaching behind my back and the muscles are way tight in some places and weak in others. I can lift all the way up forward and sideways. PT says I should be good sooner than later, and vigilant doing of homework exercises is getting me recovered fast. Obv everyone is different, but I was very lucky to have a simple break that healed quickly. I’m confident the rest will come, if I’m patient and put in the work. Thanks for all you do!
Hi Jenny! Sorry to hear you broke your shoulder but sounds like you are kicking butt at physio. Keep it up. All the best. Thanks for watching and subscribing
I am 37 hours into my proximal humerus fracture. The pain, oh man, it is next level. After eleven hours in the ER, I was drained. I didn’t fully understand what had happened to my shoulder or my rotator cuff. The sling looked so flimsy. Surely this kind of pain required something more I thought. After watching your video I now have a better grasp of what a humorous fracture entails and that surgery isn’t always the first line of treatment. My expectations moving forward are in check. I’m calling the trauma orthopedic specialist tomorrow for follow-up care and will plan to be camped out on my sofa for at least a few weeks. I’m hoping I will heal in time for my trip to Rome in mid-September. 🤞 Nice video plus visuals. I’ve yet to see my scans. Gratitude, Docs.
Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. I broke my humerus dirt biking, and I was blown away by all the stuff my arm did in the first week and a half; It's nice to finally see my knuckles again. You touched on people sleeping in armchairs because it is best to let the arm hang at all times during healing. When is it typical for patients you've had to finally get back into that horizontal sleeping position?
broke/dislocated my proximal humerus 4 weeks ago and had it plated , I was able to start sleeping on my back again (with a lot of pillows) after 2 weeks - it was a real relief to be able to lie down again OMG
A year later and my arm buckles about a third of the way down when I lift it straight out to the side and hold it for more than a few seconds. What a hellish and painful broken surgical neck. There is no way to get your backside into a recliner unless you are tall without using your shoulder. The only way I lived thru that was laying still and flat with the arm straight along my side. The sling felt like it separated the bone. Took about 12 weeks before I could drive to hop on a plane and take my missed vacation. Sorry for anyone enduring that horrific pain. Someone said it takes a full two years to fully heal. Im starting to believe that. The youtube docs were far more helpful than the useless doc i got, so thank you for posting the helpful videos. Happy healing, everyone😊
I (45yo) broke my proximal humerus 2 weeks ago in a bike fall, had surgery a week after and had a philos plate plus 9 screws fitted. The surgeon also repaired some rotator cuff damage. Pain was pretty severe when it happened and post surgery, but one week after I am just taking paracetamol now and am doing my first gentle exercises as prescribed. Hoping I'll end up with ok ROM and get back to doing sports asap.
Just watched this video because almost 5 weeks ago, feel and broke my humerus at the top. One of the pictures you show is mine, only 3 places for my break. Hopefully, mine is healing as supposed to. Dr told me no surgery since the bone hasn't shifted at all. I got back next week for my 6 week check up and fingers crossed no more sling. You are both so very informative. I am subscribing now to your channel. You have explained what to expect along the way of healing. Thanks guys!
Hi Lynn, you must have had your injury right around the time I did! I tripped and fell on Aug 31. Just saw my ortho today and he told me I could use the sling only if I feel more comfortable with it... that I can now take it off when I sleep. He also told me not to worry too much about why this happened (I feel so upset that it did)... he said it broke because I'm a woman and we break our bones more as we age. He did tell me to make sure to take multivites with calcium and also vitamin D if my levels are low (which they are). All the best for your continued healing.
@@yavuzciftci7989 No I don't have full use of my arm. About 95% though. I can move it but certain things hurt so I don't do it. Such as lifting my arm out and up to the side.
When I was at work I had this injury I’m currently on my 8th week it is very painful but for me exercise was the key in moderation fortunately for me I got my full range back.
Great video. Broke my proximal humerus 12 weeks ago and have been able to use non operative method of healing. Have been in PT for last three weeks. Range of motion and gradually improving . This was one of the more painful injuries I have experienced. This certainly requires patience and persistence.
I am now 9 months post fracture. Doing much better , still have some soreness and issue with strength. I do PT exercises and stretches everyday. I am able to swim 5x week and seeing improvement each week . I do get treatment every two weeks to do active release on surrounding muscles. Stay with the exercises especially when waking. Eases soreness.. Also use recovery methods such as ice. Good luck it does get better
LOL at the person photo-bombing the video at 8:10! Another great video, guys! You do such a good job explaining stuff to the level of a normal person. As someone without a shoulder fracture, I'll raise my glass and say cheers!
Proximal humorous fx 6 weeks ago. Splint for 2 weeks weighted cast 4 weeks. Cast off today and wrist and hand are extremely stiff and swollen painful. They were in the cast but not fractured. Dr did not recommend phiso . Should i be doing excercises on my own as described here. Bones are barely touching still move around. No muscle control. Presently taking Tylenol for pain and inflammation. I am worried about range of motion. Ps....thank you for this information you have provided. It was comforting to hear your explanation from day three after release from hospital. Doc said surg may need to ne considered if not healed by 3 month mark. I have excellent Dr but forgot to ask about exercise.
I broke my shoulder from a fall in garage on March 23rd, 2021. Been in pain ever since, saw my GP today and tomorrow get x-ray. He believes. I will need total replacement shoulder surgery done on my shoulder now. Surgery was not done back then.
Measuring my progress through this information. 2/1/22, I had a long fractured humerus, 2/18/22, plate was attached and through balanced meals, rest and gently moving my hands,arm mobility has greatly improved to the present,3/21/22, I am able to extend the arm straight up to 180°. OT is very happy with progress. I'll see my surgeon on 3/30/22. Really looking forward to thanking him for the wonderful work he did, piecing me back together.! I plan to share this site with him. Thank you,
Thank you for an interesting and informative video. I'm currently in month 5 of my Humeral fracture. As others have said, the pain is something on a completely different level, with night times when you just want to sleep being near on impossible. I'm now in physio and fighting onwards.. little by little!
Hi, I’m 46, I’ve had a non healing snap in my dominant arm for 18 months now I fell down a flight of concrete stairs. I have a nail ( rod ) inside now which has decided to move up through my shoulder and scrape onto my collarbone which is agony on top of the gap in the bone where it has not been healing and the nerve damage ! I’m doing exercise and taking the supplements you talking about. I stopped taking a very large dose of anti-inflammatories about three months ago and I’ve just had my x-rays done again and thank God there is some bone growth. I think you should mention this in your video that anti-inflammatories are not good pain relief because they inhibit bone growth I need more operations. I’ve already had five and I’ve got a really nice scar. If kids ask me what happened when I’m out and about if I do go out, I say a shark bit me and you should see their faces it’s so funny, is there anything else I can do to help the bone growth ? I am perimenopause but I don’t take and use the patches for this they make me feel crazy lol and are there any websites you can direct me to to help me with things like washing up tying my hair up showering washing cooking thanks for your channel, I watch it a lot. God bless you both and all the people that are struggling. How can I send a picture to you of my x-rays? I have them on my phone?🙏🏼😇 Lucy UK
Enjoyed every moment with ears and eyes opening. This is my daughter 3 rd week crying so im downing every help we can get from Nauru Is .27 yrs old fell off motor bike thank you both for some laughs too.
I had a rotator cuff repair surgery last Dec and I highly recommend the Breg Polar Care cold machine or one similar. It was a life saver for pain control
I broke my humorous bone almost 10 years ago, i had to have surgery in the end as not healing, ended up with 10 inch rod and pins 😢 but absolutely fine after about 3 months after surgery and physio 😊
Thanks for the video…it’s reassuring to hear the professionals and reading comments that this type of injury is a slow recovery process and not unique. I go to PT three times a week and do PT at home everyday. I’ve found doing PT in a pool is great. The cold water keeps the swelling down a bit and depending on where you are at in recovery, the buoyancy is helpful in aiding movement and the mild resistance of the water when u are further along is a good start for strengthening. Also got some bands that attach to the door and a stick and u can do just about all the PT exercises at home. Definitely don’t want my shoulder to “freeze up” or be doing PT for a year so I take it very seriously.
My husband is 73 and broke his proximal humerus in Bicycle accident. There are 3 pieces broke but the shoulder head itself is intact. They gave him 2 days of pain meds and won't give him anything else which is pretty inhumane. Told him to just wear a sling and come back in 2 weeks. I made a different appointment with another doctor to get another opinion since my husband is in a lot of pain from this shoulder and other injuries. So it was interesting watching the video.
I missed an elevated sidewalk step then fell; one arm went directly opposite with full weight on it. I had a break and a fracture on my upper Humerus. It swelled automatically. I was in pain especially with movement. I went through the process of x-ray scan and heart test then surgery. Now waiting for an x-ray before therapy. Waiting 4 weeks before this happens. Looking forward to full recovery within 3 months. What a situation for a drummer!
Very helpful information. I had Frozen Shoulder with SLAP tear and doing great in PT. Then, fell down the stairs, sustaining "There is a mildly displaced greater tuberosity fracture of the right shoulder" a week ago. In addition " there is a minimally displaced fracture of the distal left clavicle." Also bruised coccyx. So, no comfortable way to sleep! That ruined all of my success in PT, I The pain is intense. I'm not a person who takes pain medications. However, I was given Percocet and Diclofenac. I do not feel anything when I take these! Tried Naproxen, Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Meloxicam. No pain relief or sedation. It feels like I didn't take anything at all. I'm in agony most of the time and primarily using ice, which gives some relief. Just using slings right now and no talk of surgery. I have to wait awhile before going to PT> I was referred to Pain Management, but have stigma that only junkies go there ( I'm a Psych NP) Very frustrating!
Very informative video. Thanks. I dislocated my left shoulder and fractured the femoral at the top. (An oval chip the size of a silver dollar.) Years have passed and the range of motion is still limited and painful to raise the arm more than 90°. The worst problem is that I have developed osteoarthritis in the joint.
Broke my humerus in four and also dislocated it after falling. Am 62 had surgery two days later. Plate and ten screws later. Im in a sling doing physio straight away as ordered. Feel like im damaging the repair but still doing as told. Fingers crossed it heals ok. The pain after falling was terrible. Not hurting at mo now on day six. Paracetamol as needed.
My son badly fractured both shoulders during a seizure. He has Osteogenesis Imperfecta. He was later diagnosed with epilepsy. 2 surgeries failed. He now has about 25 percent use of his right arm. Still endures a lot of pain.
Hi Christie. So sorry to hear that. OI is very complicated to treat both operatively and non operatively. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.
Hi, thank you for this video. 5 days out from ORIF for right proximal humerus fracture (yup, Canadian who slipped on patch of ice), I have some questions about normal range of time for recovery to 1. Get both arms into sweater sleeves again, 2. Brush my hair into a ponytail, 3. Get back to driving, safely. Injury was 10 days ago. I didn’t know anything could hurt so much, day of fall. From the comments shared here I can see it will take a while.
Hello Docs and thanks for this informative video; 9 days ago I had a fall from my electric scooter(that never happens) and have a proximal fracture of my left humerus at the greater tuberosity, single fracture with 4-5 mill displacement. I'm a 61 yr old relatively healthy male. HMO Ortho recommended surgery with metal plate affixed as I am a drummer(nothing crazy), Ortho #2 & #3 recommended no surgery due to mild displacement. I opted out of surgery(and fighting the $350 Cxl fee), and hoping that PT gets me back in the drum throne and a kayak. Hoping I made the right decision.
Hi Dr.'s, I dislocated and fractured my left shoulder on 5 Oct 21. Here in Port st.Lucie Fl , the treatment for my injury as you described in the video. I really appreciate your videos and the information you provide. The humor is good to. Thanks for sharing.
Very welcome Jorge. We love Port St Lucie. Great area to golf and amazing weather! All the best during your recovery. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.
I love your videos. I would travel the 1,900 miles from my home in Breckenridge, Colorado to your location in Ottawa to treat with you. Thanks for such informative videos!
That is very kind Cantinatollo1. Colorado looks amazing. We are in Ontario just not in Ottawa. Closer to Toronto. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.
I fell in Nov 2021 and fx humerus just above half point. ER braced. Went to trauma surgeon put into sarimento brace. Subsequent zrays showed slight callus formation.. diagnoses with non union. Tried to get 2nd opinions for surgery but MDs were not to be bothered. 7 mo post fracture had ORIF. Began pt almost immediately. The atrophy of my left arm and shoulder muscles severely affected my PT progress. I was unable to do PT before surgery as my bones were moving! I have osteoporosis, osteopenia, whichnthe trauma surgeon identified. I truly believe the delay in surgery is why i have lost a lot of strength and rom. This was most painful fx up there with childbirth.
Thanks for asking, I still have decreased range of motion in the shoulder, decreased strength, and pain if I am overzealous doing yard work or cleaning.
Thx Docs!! Appreciate the positivity. Almost 4 wks ago @ Super healthy 76 tangled w rug 🤦🏼♀️. Gng to suggest this vid to my KP surgeon. Also helped to learn muscles on humerus bc need to tell if I’m careful enough in helping or at least not preventing mend. This has been Fascinating!! Not painful only ibuprofen am looking forward to PT & writing again. You two are like mana. Thanks. Also funny. 😂 Like Smothers Brothers years ago. Maybe I’ll do a vid on how to dress/wear/makeup/eat/ hug. ❤
@Talking With Docs Thanks, going to therapy. I liked the idea of leaning on a coffee table and making slow rotations. Supported my self with left hand making a fall. Remind me not to do that again.
So helpful. I have recently fallen and sustained a proximal fracture of the left humerus. A single fracture line with no displacement but agonisingly painful nonetheless. I spent a night in A & E being given oral morphine and intravenous paracetamol. This video has been very instructive. Thank you.
I had rotator cuff surgery in 2015. The doctor said it was a ""mess in there"". The recovery and pain from that surgery was worse then my spinal fusion in 2013. I had disc's 3-7 fused. I just had meniscus surgery 4 weeks ago and that was a walk in the park compared to the rotator cuff.
@@rickbunch868 hi, it took a year for my shoulder to feel healed and i did physical therapy. I am very happy now that i did it. The pain i had prior to surgery was bad.
I had reverse shoulder surgery for torn rotator cuff and physical therapy. I still have issues with my range of motion. Should I go back to physical therapy again?
I would love to see a follow up to this video where you discuss a fractured glenoid. I fracture my glenoid where basically the bottom of my glenoid literally broke off causing an extremely unstable joint where my shoulder "ball" would literally fall out of the socket constantly. My surgeon did what he called a classic "Bankart" repair and I now have a plate & screws in my shoulder.
Hi Michael. We can add it to our list. It is pretty uncommon but yes if the piece is big enough it needs to be fixed for stability. Hope you’re ok now. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did
6th months ago I broke my arm. I went to the hospital and they gave me 1 x ray and 1 pain pill to last me 3 weeks until I could find a surgeon. The system is so flawed and the pain gets unbearable.
Thank you I really like you guys I fucked up yesterday. I got one of those I was on a scooter it malfunctioned and it sent me sliding across the concrete at full force. Hard I’m in so much pain is excruciating. I can’t sleep well it’s swelling up but thank you guys it makes me feel better to know what the real truth is. Unfortunately the hospital I went to they did not do the best job of explaining this like you did so thank you glad there’s good people that care about their.
I tripped in August of 2019 slamming my shoulder into the door frame of our house then went down on my left hand. I ended up with a spiral fracture on my left humerus . I was 67 at the time. In November of 2019 my Surgeon put a nail into the whole length of my humerus . My arm never healed. In fact, though it did not hurt I could feel and hear my bones rubbing against each other. I have Rheumatoid arthritis and my Surgeon thought that the Methotrexate I was on for my RA might be the problem. Luckily for me when I was taken of this medicine I had no problems with my RA. In January of 2023 I had surgery again on my humerus . This time the nail was removed and a plate with 9 screws was attached to my humerus. The surgeon used part of my hip bone as a graft. I have seen my Surgeon two times since my surgery and it looks like it is starting to heal. I wear a brace on my upper arm for support. To anyone out there if you break your humerus I hope you heal much faster than I have. Even if it takes 6 months or so, just remember I have been working on mine for 4 years. I'm still smiling.
I had an proximal humenus fracture with minimal displacement in right shoulder. Dr suggest k wire fixation and done on 29.12.2022. and remove after 5 weeks. Now i feel can the doctor heel this injury with conservative management.
Thanks so much. I am 65 and 5 weeks ago, i broke my humerus and went to n new Gp. (my Gp move to a other city) He put my arm in a sling and told me to take it of over 6 weeks. The problem is i can't make my elbow straigh. It is 90° bend, and that has stayed like this till now 5 weeks later. There is also pain in my elbow. I start with the exercise. I wonder if it is normal with a broken humerus for the elbow to be so stiff?
Hi, great video. My wife, (Janet), fell from standing 5 nights ago, and has a spiral fracturein her humerus. She has a brace and, last night, she noticed her forearm very swollen, red, and weeping a pink liquid. From your video, this seems normal, but looks very frightening. At 7 minutes you talk about patients with similar worries, and suggest that it is normal. Does it sound like she should be worried? Seeing someone is very difficult in the UK. She can move her wrist and fingers and do a thumbs up, so no problem with feeling and movement. Many thanks, Richard.
Me again! I would love to see you cover non union fractures. I broke my humorous in March 2022 and just found out I have a delayed union and my surgeon has recommended a bone growth stimulator. I never knew that this was even a thing! I would love your take on this.
Hi Robin. Sorry to hear this. It is definitely worth a shot. No cons really other than cost. Pro is you get to avoid surgery. Best of luck. Thanks for watching and subscribing
I'm going to tell you guys the craziest and most scariest way to break your arm, also be careful choosing surgery because there is always a chance of infection.. in this case I had a SERIOUS bone infection from my 1st surgery. In december of last year I broke my arm at work, I was literally just pushing boxes that weighed only 50 lbs. My arm snapped in half from doing just that, but before my arm broke I was already having pain in my arm which I thought was just your typical soreness from hitting the gym. Turns out I had a hairline fracture that I didn't know about and pushing those boxes was the last straw. When it happened it felt like somebody punched me in my tricep really hard and I was just thinking wth was that? look down at my arm and my forearm is just flopping around everywhere. Was in shock and went to the hospital Immediately. Got surgery a week later with a plate and 10 screws (spiral fracture of left humerus) fast forward to august of this year and noitced something strange going on with the incision.. warm, red, and swollen. Went back to my surgeon and he says ''You need to be admitted to the hospital immediately, we're going to take the metal out'' turns out I had osteomyelitis with the bacteriapseudomonas aeruginosa, look that word up it has a mortality rate of %18-62.. when I found that out in the hospital I thought I was going to die lol but turns out I was never sick from the infection because it was never in my bloodstream, just in the bone. The surgeon was amazed at how I never got sick, he actually said it was so bad and that it was disgusting. I was sent home with a PICC line in my arm on antibiotics for several weeks taking cefepime. Fast forward to today and I AM NOW PAIN FREE. The whole time before my 2nd surgery my arm always hurt. It turns out that the extra bone that healed over the fracture covered the infection making it not enter my bloodstream, I am only 29 and healthy which is probably why I had a good recovery. Keep in mind that the bacteria pseudomonas aeruginosa is mostly found in hospitals, very rare to get but always a chance. I still have 10 screw holes in my bone and it's been almost 4 months since my 2nd surgery. I hope they fill back in one day as these holes are considered weak points.
Hi, great video. My wife, (Janet), fell from standing 5 nights ago, and has a spiral fracturein her humerus. She has a brace and, last night, she noticed her forearm very swollen, red, and weeping a pink liquid. From your video, this seems normal, but looks very frightening. At 7 minutes you talk about patients with similar worries, and suggest that it is normal. Does it sound like she should be worried? Seeing someone is very difficult in the UK. She can move her wrist and fingers and do a thumbs up, so no problem with feeling and movement. Many thanks, Richard.
I fell 7 feet onto a solid concrete floor yesterday. I have a bruise the size of my hand print and road rash marks all over. And it throbs and aches to even type this because of my arm. I think I broke I’m going to the doctor today.
I fractured my proximal humerus. The shaft detached from the humerus head. I did not require surgery because the fracture did not displace much. At 4 weeks I started pendulum exercises and began using the sling with less frequency. By week 6 I was off the sling completely thanks to early physical therapy. I'm on week 8 now and I can raise my hand 90 degrees, some difficulty, but not incredible. I can brush my teeth, wash my face, reach things close to me, and I can put my hands on my head if a robbery were to take place lol. My recovery, according to my orthopedist and therapist, is faster than usual. I attribute it to being very religious about my therapy, but also focusing on my diet, specifically on nutrient intake that is supposed to help with tissue regeneration and bone healing. Look into vitamin K, calcium, and magnesium rich foods or supplements. Also Vitamin D is very important. Eat a good amount of protein, and keep active as it stimulates your body to regenerate and grow. Work out your non-injured site as it will help you maintain muscle on your injured arm.
Thank you for your reply, I fractured my humerous yesterday and having watched and read a few articles was/am a bit scared however your comment has given me hope. Am off to look at the foods/ nutrients you suggested, thank you.
@@moretus2270 I was scared too. At some point you will realize that it's useless to dwell on what happened and from then on your only goal is to recover your arm as much as you can. Be strong my friend and carry on. I'm still doing therapy and there is quite a bit of range of motion and strength I still need to recover, one day at a time.
@@metalmusi I agree, am trying to focus on the positive. I have had two frozen shoulders over the years which took a year or so to recover from. I just am keen for the fracture to heal and then work on the movement. Good luck with your journey, I hope you are soon back to 100% movement.
Hi I'm going into my 5th Month since my fracture, and am still suffering with some ROM and deep deep pain, I'm finally getting a second opinion and have asked for a CT, seems something else is going on. I feel miserable, It has taken everything in me to get this far, it is an extremely slow healing injury, on top of that When I fell I injured my neck, seeking a Dr. for that too, didn't feel the neck pain until the shoulder pain eased. Thank you for having Great bed side manners with humor !
It was really a informative thank you. My mum is 62 years old fractured the neck of humerus on 19/12/22 Surgeon took a conservative approach, but on recent x ray he is saying the bone has experienced minimal displacement and if it displaces further surgery is required. She is in a sling could you give some tips and please tell me how she should sleep? Should she put a pillow below her arm when she sleeps flat or sleep without support of the pillow? Thank you for work.
Hi Enosh. Depends on the type of fracture but usually you want the arm hanging down so gravity can align it. Sometimes on a sling or collar and cuff type splint. Often they will heal without surgery. Best of luck to hee. Thanks for watching and subscribing
About 10 years ago I fell about 15 feet, and among many other fractures I broke my collarbone and shattered my scapula. I think there were other injuries in the shoulder as well. That shoulder is somewhat lower than the the normal one, nor can I lift with that arm or put that arm behind my head. No attempt was made to repair any of it, only the fractured vertebrae.
Interesting Robin. The smashed scapula can be very hard to fix. The clavicle as well but is more often operated on nowadays then in the past. Best of luck to you. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.
I broke my arm falling off of a horse ats a young girl. Thankfully it was a straight break not involving the shoulder bones! I got full range, but so remember having such a hard time sleeping! I got strep throat at the same time 😭. My poor mom, she was the best caregiver!
Why is the breaking of the clavicle (shoulder blade) not mentioned? Most of the falls I hear about in professional cycling are the breaking of this bone. I've had both my shoulders replaced with a reversed Arthroplasty. Your video of that procedure was hilarious and as always most informative.
Hello, my humerus bone was fractured three months ago, after which I had a plaster for three months, now the plaster is removed and my arm movement is also good. Now it's swollen and the area is a bit thickened what should i do for it kindle tell me i'm a bit tensed about it thanks
Thank you for this video - it explains exactly what I went through. I broke my shoulder May 16, 2020. No surgery - just a sling. description by orthopedic doctor: x-rays show proximal humerus fracture involving the surgical neck with slight posterior and lateral translation. I had folllow ups and physical therapy, and continue to do exercises as prescribed. Although I have pretty good range of motion, I continue to have pain mid-way between shoulder and elbow. I sometimes feel a "catch" when I and hear a crackling when I move my arm up and/or out to the side. It is difficult to put my hand on top of my head although I can do it with some pain. Since I broke the proximal part of the humerus I don't know why the pain is lower in my arm. Is it normal for this to happen? Thanks for your time and for doing this video - a good way for me to explain what it was like when I fell!!
Thank you for this very informative video. I am currently at week four of a comminuted proximal humerus fracture with rotator cuff tear in a sling After falling on wet decking by a swimming pool.
Hi Docs, Thanks for the helpful video. Wondering if you have any thoughts about the use of an infrared and/or red light pad during the healing process? Thanks so much!
I had a partial tear right rotator cuff in 2010, had surgery to repair and went through the long recovery process with good results. Then in 2015, I fell off some steps and fractured left humeral head with displaced bone. Had surgery to repair with a plate and 6 screws - deja vu on another long recovery process. Results have been good for that one too. Range of motion in both arms is good but I'm not supposed to lift more than 25 pounds and I don't push it after going through all that.
Hi Rick. We have a video on this that you should watch. It is a tear of one of the 4 muscles around the shoulder. It may get better with time depending on its size and location. Good luck. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.
Hi .your thoughts? I often swim 2 hrs breast stroke outside all year. Wet suit in winter. Am 69. I fell off a ladder. " closed cominuted 2 part Proximal Humerus Fracture. From 2010-20 lifted weights & did ROM Strength class 12 lb dumb bells 2x week. Stopped lifting at pandemic. Had pinched cervical neck nerve left hand tingle 6 mo ago. It got better w PT. I am 69. Can I swim non op? Can I get surgery? Is it safe . thanks
Thanks for informational video I have question pls i am 52 I used to do body building with heavy weights for long time beside had some nasty falling in my shoulders now i hear some sounds when I move my arms but no pain is this sign for some thing bad or should i go in with my life and do light weights training thanks
Hi Hcdgj. So if you have no pain just noise it is probably ok to continue on with your activities. If you are concerned, get assessed and get an xray. Good luck. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.
10 days ago I fell while walking on the street and fractured my shoulder. I’m studying abroad, no one to help me with daily duties. Doctor said that i have a comminuted fracture but without dislocation. I’m wearing a shoulder immobilizer. The pain is kinda less but im wondering for how long im going to wear the immobilizer and if i can get back to my normal life soon and be able to lift weight. God bless you all, stay safe and get well soon.
@ i’m sorry to hear this. Wishing you a speed recovery. Make sure to immobilize ur shoulder and follow the doctors’ advices. Rehab might be tricky in the beginning but it will progress with time.
just had a fall and broke proximal humerus in three pieces. Dr said the three pieces are in good alignments so no surgery. After watching the video i am terrified of the rom as i am a yoga teacher, if i am not back majority part of the motions - or even feel pain tp put my hand on head, i will need to retire from teaching yoga....
Thank you SOOOOO much for this video! Much appreciated. I fell on Aug 31, 2022 and broke my left shoulder (proximal fracture with minimal displacement) -- it hurt like hell for the first four-five weeks but I noticed significantly reduced pain at the end of the fifth week and more flexibility at the end of the sixth week (today). Went back to my ortho and he told me new bones are growing and also that I don't have any significant amounts of osteopenia, which the hospital told me I had. He did say that I will need at least four weeks of therapy moving forward but the therapy place itself won't evaluate me until Friday NEXT week, so I'll start therapy in my 7th or 8th week... woah. I had thought it'd be sooner. Is that a bad thing? What sorts of exercises do you think I can safely do until therapy starts? Any suggestions? I want to go on a treadmill and work out again. I'm so sick of being still... I mean, I walk and move like when I go do grocery etc, but I want to exercise for the sake of exercising! I'm so upset with this... I can't believe this happened. And also to know that many people don't get their ROM back... you two are bumming me out LOL... will I be able to eventually wash my hair with both hands? My left hand was my go to hand for heavier tasks... my right hand is my agile hand. I'm so bummed. My right shoulder is in a lot of pain because it's now compensating for my broken left shoulder, and so it's really painful bc I developed rotator cuff tendinosis on it BEFORE I broke my left shoulder and was babying it... :(
Feel better soon! How horrible for you.. My 11 year old daughter broker the top of her humerus bone in half on the 29th aug this year. She’s still in a sling and I don’t want her out of it just yet. It’s Still early days.! Hope you make a full recovery. 🙏🏼sending love to all who are going through this. X
So you are almost there. They will start slowly with pendulum exercises the. Active assisted exercises using the good arm then active exercises with the bad arm. You can walk on a treadmill as long as you don’t fall. Some people find stationary bike easier and less chance of falling. It is a long road to recovery. Thanks for watching and subscribing
@@TalkingWithDocs Thank you! My orthopedist already told me to do the pendulum exercises (starting from the day I saw him -- end of the 4th week)... I'm getting my PT evaluation this Friday. I ended my 7th week since the fracture today, so I'll be in the middle/start of my 8th week on Friday. My problem is that my "good arm" was actually my bad arm before... it's the one with the rotary cuff tendinosis! :/
@@ginaonthebeachm118 So your daughter broke hers two days before I did! How's she doing? Is she out of the sling? I'm only wearing mine when I'm outside or driving... my ortho told me a week ago that I'm free to take it off if I feel comfortable without it, but I should wear it if I feel that I need it. I do still have pain... sometimes pretty bad, but I'm doing my pendulum exercises in the shower... I don't want a frozen shoulder. Much love and best wishes to you and your daughter... she's only 11... aww... she will make a good recovery, especially with you right there with her xx
I have exactly the same problem waiting for surgery on my right shoulder and then fell and broke the humerus on my left so I know the pain your going through.
I broke my proximal humerus about 7 years ago, at 63. Probably the most pain I have ever had. Yes, my arm was bruised from shoulder to elbow. I was on painkillers round the clock for the first 3 weeks and only managed to sleep propped up on pillows waking up every couple hours. For anyone going through this it does get better even if it feels like hell at first.
Yes it does. Thanks for sharing
That's reassuring I'm week ten and feel like a pack of dogs are chewing my arm off.Doing all the exercises with phsio. Makes it feel worse..Presuming muscle, nerve damage as bone is healing. Thank you:)
@@lunagaiaspath5069❤
@lunagaiaspath5069 how is it feeling now?!
@@goofyahhh254 Thank you for asking. Still achy some days, but doing much better and able to raise it more.I'm finally driving:)
I’m 9 weeks into a shoulder fracture of the greater tuberosity and glenoid. I’ve been doing my Physio exercises everyday. Function is still limited but getting better each day. I’ve been filming one of my exercises each day so I can keep track of it to show my Physiotherapist. I’m so determined to get this shoulder back to full functionality. The exercises are so important. Keep doing them EVERY DAY!
I fractured mine Sunday evening, and have no insurance. I paid to have an X-Ray. It is a lateral humeral head fracture. 16 mm of fragment displacement. I’m hoping it will heal up decent with a sling. Any tips?Did you have surgery? Thanks
Thanks so much for this video. I broke my proximal humerus two weeks ago - just saw surgeon today, and we decided to go the non-surgical route. EVERYTHING you shared echoed what I’ve experienced so far and what they told me. So that’s reassuring - which makes a huge difference when you’re going through something like this. Thank you again!
Thank you for this video. I fell and fractured my humerus in 3 places, had ORIF and am now at 14 weeks post surgery in PT. I never would have expected a recovery like this but your video has been a huge help!
Glad we could help Robin. All the best during the rest of your recovery. Thanks for watching and subscribing
I fell and broke my humorous I can't put my hands behind my back and like when you're in front of the judge I can't get my hand up all the way it goes crooked will this April 3rd and August will this change or is it budget is for the rest of my life
Great video again! After my surgery a year ago I am considered fully healed with about 75% rom, and still have some pain. The important thing is I can do pretty much everything I did before my accident. Biggest piece of advice, do as your physiotherapist tells you to do. Do your excersises!
Yes Ryan listen to your therapist. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did
Hi all. I’m into week 4 recovering from a 4 part proximal humerus fracture. I’ve started to remove the collar and cuff sling to rotate my wrist and bend my elbow. It’s been so tough especially the sleeping as I’ve been waking up every 2hrs! I would highly recommend a shoulder ice pack and a t shirt with pop buttons off Amazon as it’s so hard to change my clothes. Good luck guys with the healing!
My humerus fractured into two parts four months ago, necessitating surgery. I was armeressle with a friend when I had a sudden fracture. The doctor corrected it with internal fixation, and I began working out again after two months, quickly regaining my muscles. I understand that those who watch this video are likely to be injured or devastated. So I am happy to share my experience.
Thanks very much for sharing. Arm wrestling is a surprisingly not totally uncommon cause of this fracture. Thanks for watching and subscribing
I injured mine the same way. When were you able to take your arm out of the sling?
hi how did they decide you needed surgery may i ask. I fractured mine 3 months ago and looks displaced. Waiting for CT scan
You guys were spot on with everything you said. I fell 5 months ago and I'm still fighting to get my full range of motion back. Feel free to emphasize the pain; the pain when I felt was the worst I've ever experienced in my life. 😮
Sorry to hear that Michele. Hopefully you are on the mend! Thanks for watching and subscribing
When I fell, the pain made me literally want to die (for a few moments)... so I hear you.
I'm in tears pulling up my pants, and yes moments of thinking life was over.
I’m at the one year (and one day mark) from my fall. My rom is fair. Can’t reach behind my back or reach across my chest, but I can touch my head. My arm raise is kind of crooked. And man oh man, I delivered six boys, and the pain from this fracture is like nothing I have ever experienced in my life! Absolutely awful!
I had a four part displaced proximal fracture and bicep tenodesis. 😬
Never thought I’d be back on this site again, but I fell in my house and now have proximal humerus fracture. I just had hip replacement last June. This fracture not only broke me physically, but emotionally....I was just getting my life back and then bammm....I was multitasking and was walking briskly. With vans-like sneakers on...tripped over front of sneaker....face planted....3 stitches in lip, bruised ribs, black eye....bruising on arm. I’m going to watch this video at least 3 times.....when you said slow down....you are so right on!!!!! I’m into this 6 weeks so far. I take arm out of sling to let it hang. Little by little I’m doing things I could do at first...like using a can opener. Yikes another long road ahead. Your videos are wonderful. So grateful to both of you💐
Hi Linda. So sorry to hear this. Slow and steady will win this race. Start pendulum exercises then start using the good arm to gently move then broken one. Best of luck to you. And you’re very welcome. Thanks for watching and subscribing
@@TalkingWithDocs It’s true, slow and steady does win the race. I’ve always been New York fast and it doesn’t work with an aging Thal body (Beta Thalassemic Major here). I have to find your vid with the pendulum exercises. I’ve gone to 2 orthos...one wants full shoulder replacement (NJ doc) and the other wants reverse shoulder replacement (NY doc). I’ve had 3 surgeries in 6 years, and quite frankly, I need a rest (Pins in hip, Pins out of Hip, Hip replacement). Im following my inner voice and trying what my body would naturally do....if I’m in pain and have a severe ROM problem in 18 months, maybe I’ll consider surgery. Luckily, I have a childhood friend who is orthopedic surgeon and I sent him my X-ray and he knows what I’ve been through and he said wait. I never broke anything from 4-54 (except for bruised ribs and sternum from being a bit wild child-ish). I’m adjusting emotionally now but I’ve noticed I’ve lost length in my arm. Ughhh...this is exactly what happened with leg from hip fracture! Thank you for hearing me out. One thing medical doctors never talk about is nutrition, and that upsets me. Wish there would be more talk about that. I’m taking everything I can to help my body heal. Protein drinks,, Vitamin E, C, Zinc, Ca. I pray too and journal. Trying mantras too. I need my life back!!! Peace🖖🏽PS...at least with you can’t limp with one shorter arm...lol This is a easier for me than the Hip was. Still, trying. Thanks again.
Praying for you ❤️🙏🏼
@@sovietspy0014 thank you!!
Hi Linda, I have so much more respect for my arms now... I couldn't even open a bottle of water, much less jars or cans... slow down is a great piece of advice... everybody has been telling me that. I tend to move fast without thinking -- I'm from Jersey so it's second nature to move fast lol... so it's been a lesson! I find I talk to myself these days asking me to slooooow dooooown! Anyway, I found a D3+K2 bottle in would you believe Walmart? It's the Nature Made brand. The K2 helps take the D3 out of the bloodstream and into the bones. Also taking Liposomal C for quicker healing and Super C+D3+Zinc on other days. Arnica roll on gel is also a blessing and helped me through the first four weeks after the fall.
Great video. I listened it when I felt and didn’t know much about it I am 57 and never had experience a fracture in my life!! Same situation described by this great Docs . No surgery needed which I was glad. Spent the rest of Nov’23 until 30th of Dec sleeping if you call it, as I slept on my sofa seated! Gosh getting up every 2 h to walk and drink herbal teas… very hard. I am right handed and that was my broken arm. The sling worked well for 3/4 weeks but then hand/arm got swollen and painful. I took painkillers etc. Bone has healed. Physio started at 5 weeks. But my hand can’t get the flexibility yet. It’s like if it was made of concrete! Nearly 3 months. But I moved to my bed the 1st Jan’24 never mind the pain which is getting lesser . Winter in Scotland doesn’t help as I am very scare of falling . Hoping to go back to work soon but I use laptops for my job… I had been advised to try to get my hand more flexible.. anyway.. it’s a journey but amazing to see how our body recovers !! Best of luck and Tk you Docs again.
How are you doing?
The physicians are phenomenally. I enjoy watching and learning from both of them.
Excellent team works.
Both have good sense of humor. Marvelous.
So happy, all my doc didn’t have time to tell me, just paused video, as tears dropping , tears of relief. These guys deserve an Oscar
Thanks so much Gael! Hope you are ok. Thanks for watching and subscribing
A good ortho surgeon is worth their weight in gold!! Had a significant shoulder fracture/dislocation a few years back. Had surgery, but was not making progress in PT. Decided to get a second opinion from a shoulder specialist. He fixed me up!! It was amazing.
Glad to hear it Pat. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.
There are so many good videos by These Docs and they listen to your questions and answer them as well. Thanks again Docs for being out there. Take care.
Very welcome Darlene. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.
Yes! And They're the nicest & friendliest, too!!!
@@Nan-59 They sure are and care enough to answer your questions.
I luis broke my by cops but still suffering from it n getting worse n went back to work wit my dad n slam my elbow wit d door n it's affecting my shoulder also okdoc
I have been watching your RUclips channel for a couple years. It is outstanding. My wife is an emergency room nurse as well and loves it too. A week ago I broke my humerus and I am scheduled for surgery in two hours. Your video is very informative. Many the comments were disheartening but everybody’s different and I will do all the exercises I’m told. I love the videos, you guys are great. Thank you so much for putting difficult/technical information in layman’s terms. Blessings. Jeff
Wow thanks Jeff. Best of luck with your surgery. Every fracture is different. You’ve got this!
@@TalkingWithDocs You guys have such a great balance of humor, medical info and a great array of topics. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!
How are you doing? I don’t need surgery but am in week 3-4 and feel I am recovering well. Calm before the storm?
@@darnitthelma4247are you in PT ? How are you doing? I fractured my shoulder 5 days ago and I’m so frustrated
@@elsavaldivia1602 ouch those first few weeks are tough & painful! I am having physio now at week 8-9 but rather than pain I have dead arm aching feeling. I had a sports massage last week and although it hurt I had no cramping aching or pain that day or night! I presume it’s the healing process causing the aches/slight pain.
I fell this summer on wet concrete. Tried to catch myself on the way down on a nearby chair. Ended up fracturing my greater tuberosity and tore my supraspinatus. Luckily no surgery but it has been a long road to recovery. The trick is not to get impatient. Slow and steady wins the race.
We would agree Jackie. And don't fall! Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.
Same here I’m almost 3 months from injury, right now going to therapy but range of motion is not at its full potential no surgery
I appreciate this video so much. I watched it right after breaking my greater tuberosity two months ago and it was by far the best info on wat t expect. I’ve been in PT for about a month and they are thrilled with my ROM. I still have trouble reaching behind my back and the muscles are way tight in some places and weak in others. I can lift all the way up forward and sideways. PT says I should be good sooner than later, and vigilant doing of homework exercises is getting me recovered fast. Obv everyone is different, but I was very lucky to have a simple break that healed quickly. I’m confident the rest will come, if I’m patient and put in the work. Thanks for all you do!
Hi Jenny! Sorry to hear you broke your shoulder but sounds like you are kicking butt at physio. Keep it up. All the best. Thanks for watching and subscribing
I am 37 hours into my proximal humerus fracture. The pain, oh man, it is next level. After eleven hours in the ER, I was drained. I didn’t fully understand what had happened to my shoulder or my rotator cuff. The sling looked so flimsy. Surely this kind of pain required something more I thought. After watching your video I now have a better grasp of what a humorous fracture entails and that surgery isn’t always the first line of treatment. My expectations moving forward are in check. I’m calling the trauma orthopedic specialist tomorrow for follow-up care and will plan to be camped out on my sofa for at least a few weeks. I’m hoping I will heal in time for my trip to Rome in mid-September. 🤞 Nice video plus visuals. I’ve yet to see my scans. Gratitude, Docs.
Hi Carrie. So glad we can help in any small way! Best of luck during your recovery. Thanks for watching and subscribing
Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. I broke my humerus dirt biking, and I was blown away by all the stuff my arm did in the first week and a half; It's nice to finally see my knuckles again. You touched on people sleeping in armchairs because it is best to let the arm hang at all times during healing. When is it typical for patients you've had to finally get back into that horizontal sleeping position?
Hi Austin. Likely 4-6 weeks for sleeping. All the best during your recovery. Thanks for watching and subscribing
broke/dislocated my proximal humerus 4 weeks ago and had it plated , I was able to start sleeping on my back again (with a lot of pillows) after 2 weeks - it was a real relief to be able to lie down again OMG
A year later and my arm buckles about a third of the way down when I lift it straight out to the side and hold it for more than a few seconds. What a hellish and painful broken surgical neck. There is no way to get your backside into a recliner unless you are tall without using your shoulder. The only way I lived thru that was laying still and flat with the arm straight along my side. The sling felt like it separated the bone. Took about 12 weeks before I could drive to hop on a plane and take my missed vacation. Sorry for anyone enduring that horrific pain. Someone said it takes a full two years to fully heal. Im starting to believe that. The youtube docs were far more helpful than the useless doc i got, so thank you for posting the helpful videos. Happy healing, everyone😊
Same just did mine in dirt biking
I (45yo) broke my proximal humerus 2 weeks ago in a bike fall, had surgery a week after and had a philos plate plus 9 screws fitted. The surgeon also repaired some rotator cuff damage. Pain was pretty severe when it happened and post surgery, but one week after I am just taking paracetamol now and am doing my first gentle exercises as prescribed. Hoping I'll end up with ok ROM and get back to doing sports asap.
Just watched this video because almost 5 weeks ago, feel and broke my humerus at the top. One of the pictures you show is mine, only 3 places for my break. Hopefully, mine is healing as supposed to. Dr told me no surgery since the bone hasn't shifted at all. I got back next week for my 6 week check up and fingers crossed no more sling. You are both so very informative. I am subscribing now to your channel. You have explained what to expect along the way of healing. Thanks guys!
You are very welcome Lynn. Best of luck during your recovery. Thanks for watching and subscribing
Hi Lynn, you must have had your injury right around the time I did! I tripped and fell on Aug 31. Just saw my ortho today and he told me I could use the sling only if I feel more comfortable with it... that I can now take it off when I sleep. He also told me not to worry too much about why this happened (I feel so upset that it did)... he said it broke because I'm a woman and we break our bones more as we age. He did tell me to make sure to take multivites with calcium and also vitamin D if my levels are low (which they are). All the best for your continued healing.
Hi lynn
Can you use your arm as same before. I have same problem mine olso 3 part up broke.
@@yavuzciftci7989 No I don't have full use of my arm. About 95% though. I can move it but certain things hurt so I don't do it. Such as lifting my arm out and up to the side.
@@lynnsmith4468 l am doing physical therapy now. My arm opened about 170 degrees unfortunately.
When I was at work I had this injury I’m currently on my 8th week it is very painful but for me exercise was the key in moderation fortunately for me I got my full range back.
Great video. Broke my proximal humerus 12 weeks ago and have been able to use non operative method of healing. Have been in PT for last three weeks. Range of motion and gradually improving . This was one of the more painful injuries I have experienced. This certainly requires patience and persistence.
Best of luck going forward Scot. Thanks for watching and subscribing
Hello from Israel. How do you feel now? I am 11 weeks since the homeros proximal fracture
I am now 9 months post fracture. Doing much better , still have some soreness and issue with strength. I do PT exercises and stretches everyday. I am able to swim 5x week and seeing improvement each week . I do get treatment every two weeks to do active release on surrounding muscles. Stay with the exercises especially when waking. Eases soreness.. Also use recovery methods such as ice. Good luck it does get better
Thanks . Scot. You give me hope. I am Not working 2 and half months.
LOL at the person photo-bombing the video at 8:10! Another great video, guys! You do such a good job explaining stuff to the level of a normal person. As someone without a shoulder fracture, I'll raise my glass and say cheers!
Thanks Father and Sons Fishing. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.
Great eye! I didn't notice!
Great Video , thanks for the information. I chose surgery and the first 72-96 hours was the toughest .
Agreed scott. Speedy recovery. Thanks for watching and subscribing
Proximal humorous fx 6 weeks ago.
Splint for 2 weeks weighted cast 4 weeks. Cast off today and wrist and hand are extremely stiff and swollen painful. They were in the cast but not fractured.
Dr did not recommend phiso . Should i be doing excercises on my own as described here. Bones are barely touching still move around. No muscle control.
Presently taking Tylenol for pain and inflammation. I am worried about range of motion. Ps....thank you for this information you have provided. It was comforting to hear your explanation from day three after release from hospital.
Doc said surg may need to ne considered if not healed by 3 month mark.
I have excellent Dr but forgot to ask about exercise.
I broke my shoulder from a fall in garage on March 23rd, 2021. Been in pain ever since, saw my GP today and tomorrow get x-ray. He believes. I will need total replacement shoulder surgery done on my shoulder now. Surgery was not done back then.
Sorry to hear that
@@TalkingWithDocs thanks
I broke my shoulder last week and this is helpful. Thank you!
Glad we could help Margaret. Thanks for watching and subscribing
Measuring my progress through this information. 2/1/22, I had a long fractured humerus, 2/18/22, plate was attached and through balanced meals, rest and gently moving my hands,arm mobility has greatly improved to the present,3/21/22, I am able to extend the arm straight up to 180°. OT is very happy with progress. I'll see my surgeon on 3/30/22. Really looking forward to thanking him for the wonderful work he did, piecing me back together.! I plan to share this site with him. Thank you,
Very nice Mary. And thanks for spreading the word. Congrats. Thanks for watching and subscribing
Thank you for an interesting and informative video. I'm currently in month 5 of my Humeral fracture. As others have said, the pain is something on a completely different level, with night times when you just want to sleep being near on impossible. I'm now in physio and fighting onwards.. little by little!
How are you doing? Updates?
Hi, I’m 46, I’ve had a non healing snap in my dominant arm for 18 months now I fell down a flight of concrete stairs. I have a nail ( rod ) inside now which has decided to move up through my shoulder and scrape onto my collarbone which is agony on top of the gap in the bone where it has not been healing and the nerve damage ! I’m doing exercise and taking the supplements you talking about. I stopped taking a very large dose of anti-inflammatories about three months ago and I’ve just had my x-rays done again and thank God there is some bone growth. I think you should mention this in your video that anti-inflammatories are not good pain relief because they inhibit bone growth I need more operations. I’ve already had five and I’ve got a really nice scar. If kids ask me what happened when I’m out and about if I do go out, I say a shark bit me and you should see their faces it’s so funny, is there anything else I can do to help the bone growth ? I am perimenopause but I don’t take and use the patches for this they make me feel crazy lol and are there any websites you can direct me to to help me with things like washing up tying my hair up showering washing cooking thanks for your channel, I watch it a lot. God bless you both and all the people that are struggling. How can I send a picture to you of my x-rays? I have them on my phone?🙏🏼😇 Lucy UK
Enjoyed every moment with ears and eyes opening. This is my daughter 3 rd week crying so im downing every help we can get from Nauru Is .27 yrs old fell off motor bike thank you both for some laughs too.
You got this! Hope your daughter is ok
Great explanation, love your sense of humor. 😄👍
Thanks Kathleen. All the best. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.
I had a rotator cuff repair surgery last Dec and I highly recommend the Breg Polar Care cold machine or one similar. It was a life saver for pain control
Hi Tory. Yes a cooling unit makes a big difference. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.
I broke my humorous bone almost 10 years ago, i had to have surgery in the end as not healing, ended up with 10 inch rod and pins 😢 but absolutely fine after about 3 months after surgery and physio 😊
Thanks for the video…it’s reassuring to hear the professionals and reading comments that this type of injury is a slow recovery process and not unique. I go to PT three times a week and do PT at home everyday. I’ve found doing PT in a pool is great. The cold water keeps the swelling down a bit and depending on where you are at in recovery, the buoyancy is helpful in aiding movement and the mild resistance of the water when u are further along is a good start for strengthening. Also got some bands that attach to the door and a stick and u can do just about all the PT exercises at home. Definitely don’t want my shoulder to “freeze up” or be doing PT for a year so I take it very seriously.
Good luck Martin. Thanks for watching and subscribing
So thorough and informative video. Also honest about what to expect long term or based on age etcetera.
My husband is 73 and broke his proximal humerus in Bicycle accident. There are 3 pieces broke but the shoulder head itself is intact. They gave him 2 days of pain meds and won't give him anything else which is pretty inhumane. Told him to just wear a sling and come back in 2 weeks. I made a different appointment with another doctor to get another opinion since my husband is in a lot of pain from this shoulder and other injuries. So it was interesting watching the video.
Any updates?
I missed an elevated sidewalk step then fell; one arm went directly opposite with full weight on it. I had a break and a fracture on my upper Humerus. It swelled automatically. I was in pain especially with movement. I went through the process of x-ray scan and heart test then surgery. Now waiting for an x-ray before therapy. Waiting 4 weeks before this happens. Looking forward to full recovery within 3 months. What a situation for a drummer!
Good luck with your recovery and drumming! Thanks for watching and subscribing
Hope your doing ok,i broke mine 5 weeks ago i play guitar.
Very helpful information. I had Frozen Shoulder with SLAP tear and doing great in PT. Then, fell down the stairs, sustaining "There is a mildly displaced greater tuberosity fracture of the right shoulder" a week ago. In addition " there is a minimally displaced fracture of the distal left clavicle." Also bruised coccyx. So, no comfortable way to sleep! That ruined all of my success in PT, I The pain is intense. I'm not a person who takes pain medications. However, I was given Percocet and Diclofenac. I do not feel anything when I take these! Tried Naproxen, Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Meloxicam. No pain relief or sedation. It feels like I didn't take anything at all. I'm in agony most of the time and primarily using ice, which gives some relief. Just using slings right now and no talk of surgery. I have to wait awhile before going to PT> I was referred to Pain Management, but have stigma that only junkies go there ( I'm a Psych NP) Very frustrating!
Hang in there stephie. Thanks for watching and subscribing
Very informative video. Thanks.
I dislocated my left shoulder and fractured the femoral at the top. (An oval chip the size of a silver dollar.) Years have passed and the range of motion is still limited and painful to raise the arm more than 90°. The worst problem is that I have developed osteoarthritis in the joint.
Sorry to hear that Freedom Forever. May be worth getting seen again. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.
I'm wondering if I have osteoarthritis in the in the joint, too.
Broke my humerus in four and also dislocated it after falling. Am 62 had surgery two days later. Plate and ten screws later. Im in a sling doing physio straight away as ordered. Feel like im damaging the repair but still doing as told. Fingers crossed it heals ok. The pain after falling was terrible. Not hurting at mo now on day six. Paracetamol as needed.
Nice work
Great video. And I like how you ended with remember you are in charge of your own health. For sure. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Very welcome. We all need to be more responsible for our own health. Thanks for watching and subscribing
My son badly fractured both shoulders during a seizure. He has Osteogenesis Imperfecta. He was later diagnosed with epilepsy. 2 surgeries failed. He now has about 25 percent use of his right arm. Still endures a lot of pain.
Hi Christie. So sorry to hear that. OI is very complicated to treat both operatively and non operatively. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.
@@TalkingWithDocs , love your channel. Thanks so much !
Hi, thank you for this video. 5 days out from ORIF for right proximal humerus fracture (yup, Canadian who slipped on patch of ice), I have some questions about normal range of time for recovery to 1. Get both arms into sweater sleeves again, 2. Brush my hair into a ponytail, 3. Get back to driving, safely. Injury was 10 days ago. I didn’t know anything could hurt so much, day of fall. From the comments shared here I can see it will take a while.
Hi Frances. Sorry to hear this. Recovery is 3-6 months. First the bone has to heal and then the muscles and soft tissues need to recover. All the best
Hello Docs and thanks for this informative video; 9 days ago I had a fall from my electric scooter(that never happens) and have a proximal fracture of my left humerus at the greater tuberosity, single fracture with 4-5 mill displacement. I'm a 61 yr old relatively healthy male. HMO Ortho recommended surgery with metal plate affixed as I am a drummer(nothing crazy), Ortho #2 & #3 recommended no surgery due to mild displacement. I opted out of surgery(and fighting the $350 Cxl fee), and hoping that PT gets me back in the drum throne and a kayak. Hoping I made the right decision.
Hi Dr.'s, I dislocated and fractured my left shoulder on 5 Oct 21. Here in Port st.Lucie Fl , the treatment for my injury as you described in the video. I really appreciate your videos and the information you provide. The humor is good to. Thanks for sharing.
Very welcome Jorge. We love Port St Lucie. Great area to golf and amazing weather! All the best during your recovery. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.
You Docs are the BEST! Always informative and helpful. Thank you so much for taking the time to do these videos. PS They’re entertaining!
Doing our best Chae! You are very welcome. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.
Thank you Drs you guys are so good with the explanation
Our pleasure anna! Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.
I love your videos. I would travel the 1,900 miles from my home in Breckenridge, Colorado to your location in Ottawa to treat with you. Thanks for such informative videos!
That is very kind Cantinatollo1. Colorado looks amazing. We are in Ontario just not in Ottawa. Closer to Toronto. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.
Hi Docs I love watching your videos I learn so much and your both cute and love that you make it fun to watch . Thank you for making my day ❤❤
You are very welcome Maria. Glad we can help. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.
Thank you, doctors, you have answered my questions. I was not sure I wanted surgery on my shoulder. Now I know.
I fell in Nov 2021 and fx humerus just above half point. ER braced. Went to trauma surgeon put into sarimento brace. Subsequent zrays showed slight callus formation.. diagnoses with non union. Tried to get 2nd opinions for surgery but MDs were not to be bothered. 7 mo post fracture had ORIF. Began pt almost immediately. The atrophy of my left arm and shoulder muscles severely affected my PT progress. I was unable to do PT before surgery as my bones were moving! I have osteoporosis, osteopenia, whichnthe trauma surgeon identified. I truly believe the delay in surgery is why i have lost a lot of strength and rom. This was most painful fx up there with childbirth.
How are you doing?
Thanks for asking, I still have decreased range of motion in the shoulder, decreased strength, and pain if I am overzealous doing yard work or cleaning.
Thx Docs!! Appreciate the positivity. Almost 4 wks ago @ Super healthy 76 tangled w rug 🤦🏼♀️. Gng to suggest this vid to my KP surgeon. Also helped to learn muscles on humerus bc need to tell if I’m careful enough in helping or at least not preventing mend. This has been Fascinating!! Not painful only ibuprofen am looking forward to PT & writing again. You two are like mana. Thanks. Also funny. 😂 Like Smothers Brothers years ago. Maybe I’ll do a vid on how to dress/wear/makeup/eat/ hug. ❤
Nice Jacqueline. The Smothers brothers were brilliant. Thanks for watching and subscribing
Excellent excellent video. Just blew my left proximal humerous falling off my bike onto my shoulder in Toronto. Extremely painful 😖😣
How are you doing
Thorough discussion, well presented.
Would've liked to seen a mention of delayed union potential...
It hurts like hell! Thank you
Sorry to hear that
@Talking With Docs Thanks, going to therapy. I liked the idea of leaning on a coffee table and making slow rotations.
Supported my self with left hand making a fall. Remind me not to do that again.
So helpful. I have recently fallen and sustained a proximal fracture of the left humerus. A single fracture line with no displacement but agonisingly painful nonetheless. I spent a night in A & E being given oral morphine and intravenous paracetamol. This video has been very instructive. Thank you.
Glad we could help. Best of luck during your recovery. Thanks for watching and subscribing
I had rotator cuff surgery in 2015. The doctor said it was a ""mess in there"". The recovery and pain from that surgery was worse then my spinal fusion in 2013. I had disc's 3-7 fused. I just had meniscus surgery 4 weeks ago and that was a walk in the park compared to the rotator cuff.
Yes Rosemary it can be very difficult. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did
Thank you for your info on rotator cuff and meniscus surgery, I need the very same thing.
@@rickbunch868 hi, it took a year for my shoulder to feel healed and i did physical therapy. I am very happy now that i did it. The pain i had prior to surgery was bad.
I had reverse shoulder surgery for torn rotator cuff and physical therapy. I still have issues with my range of motion. Should I go back to physical therapy again?
I’m not a doctor, but I bet it wouldn’t hurt to go.
Always a good idea juanita. Good luck. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.
We agree youthrevisitedagain. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.
Excellent video! Shattered my humerus last week 😩
Sorry to hear that
How are you doing?
I would love to see a follow up to this video where you discuss a fractured glenoid. I fracture my glenoid where basically the bottom of my glenoid literally broke off causing an extremely unstable joint where my shoulder "ball" would literally fall out of the socket constantly. My surgeon did what he called a classic "Bankart" repair and I now have a plate & screws in my shoulder.
Hi Michael. We can add it to our list. It is pretty uncommon but yes if the piece is big enough it needs to be fixed for stability. Hope you’re ok now. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did
Follow-up...??? WHAT FOLLOW-UP?!🤣🤣🤣
I love you docs! Best bedside, hands down!
Thanks so much Nan59! Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did
You both are so informative. Love your videos❤️🇨🇦
We are so glad you love them Mandy! Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.
6th months ago I broke my arm. I went to the hospital and they gave me 1 x ray and 1 pain pill to last me 3 weeks until I could find a surgeon. The system is so flawed and the pain gets unbearable.
It definitely has its gaps Jeffrey. Sorry to hear this. Best of luck. Thanks for watching and subscribing
Absolutely 💯true
Thank you I really like you guys I fucked up yesterday. I got one of those I was on a scooter it malfunctioned and it sent me sliding across the concrete at full force. Hard I’m in so much pain is excruciating. I can’t sleep well it’s swelling up but thank you guys it makes me feel better to know what the real truth is. Unfortunately the hospital I went to they did not do the best job of explaining this like you did so thank you glad there’s good people that care about their.
Sorry to hear this. Sleeping is brutal for the first few weeks. Hang in there. Very welcome.
I tripped in August of 2019 slamming my shoulder into the door frame of our house then went down on my left hand. I ended up with a spiral fracture on my left humerus . I was 67 at the time. In November of 2019 my Surgeon put a nail into the whole length of my humerus . My arm never healed. In fact, though it did not hurt I could feel and hear my bones rubbing against each other. I have Rheumatoid arthritis and my Surgeon thought that the Methotrexate I was on for my RA might be the problem. Luckily for me when I was taken of this medicine I had no problems with my RA. In January of 2023 I had surgery again on my humerus . This time the nail was removed and a plate with 9 screws was attached to my humerus. The surgeon used part of my hip bone as a graft.
I have seen my Surgeon two times since my surgery and it looks like it is starting to heal.
I wear a brace on my upper arm for support. To anyone out there if you break your humerus I hope you heal much faster than I have. Even if it takes 6 months or so, just remember I have been working on mine for 4 years. I'm still smiling.
Best of luck
I had an proximal humenus fracture with minimal displacement in right shoulder. Dr suggest k wire fixation and done on 29.12.2022. and remove after 5 weeks.
Now i feel can the doctor heel this injury with conservative management.
It is really hard to say without an examination and X-ray review. Hope you are ok
Thanks so much. I am 65 and 5 weeks ago, i broke my humerus and went to n new Gp. (my Gp move to a other city) He put my arm in a sling and told me to take it of over 6 weeks. The problem is i can't make my elbow straigh. It is 90° bend, and that has stayed like this till now 5 weeks later. There is also pain in my elbow. I start with the exercise. I wonder if it is normal with a broken humerus for the elbow to be so stiff?
It can be common. Need to see a physio sooner rather than later
Hi, great video. My wife, (Janet), fell from standing 5 nights ago, and has a spiral fracturein her humerus. She has a brace and, last night, she noticed her forearm very swollen, red, and weeping a pink liquid. From your video, this seems normal, but looks very frightening. At 7 minutes you talk about patients with similar worries, and suggest that it is normal. Does it sound like she should be worried? Seeing someone is very difficult in the UK. She can move her wrist and fingers and do a thumbs up, so no problem with feeling and movement. Many thanks, Richard.
Me again! I would love to see you cover non union fractures. I broke my humorous in March 2022 and just found out I have a delayed union and my surgeon has recommended a bone growth stimulator. I never knew that this was even a thing! I would love your take on this.
Hi Robin. Sorry to hear this. It is definitely worth a shot. No cons really other than cost. Pro is you get to avoid surgery. Best of luck. Thanks for watching and subscribing
I read about this too. Which one please?
@@TalkingWithDocs is it too late at week 4?
I'm going to tell you guys the craziest and most scariest way to break your arm, also be careful choosing surgery because there is always a chance of infection.. in this case I had a SERIOUS bone infection from my 1st surgery. In december of last year I broke my arm at work, I was literally just pushing boxes that weighed only 50 lbs. My arm snapped in half from doing just that, but before my arm broke I was already having pain in my arm which I thought was just your typical soreness from hitting the gym. Turns out I had a hairline fracture that I didn't know about and pushing those boxes was the last straw. When it happened it felt like somebody punched me in my tricep really hard and I was just thinking wth was that? look down at my arm and my forearm is just flopping around everywhere. Was in shock and went to the hospital Immediately. Got surgery a week later with a plate and 10 screws (spiral fracture of left humerus) fast forward to august of this year and noitced something strange going on with the incision.. warm, red, and swollen. Went back to my surgeon and he says ''You need to be admitted to the hospital immediately, we're going to take the metal out'' turns out I had osteomyelitis with the bacteriapseudomonas aeruginosa, look that word up it has a mortality rate of %18-62.. when I found that out in the hospital I thought I was going to die lol but turns out I was never sick from the infection because it was never in my bloodstream, just in the bone. The surgeon was amazed at how I never got sick, he actually said it was so bad and that it was disgusting. I was sent home with a PICC line in my arm on antibiotics for several weeks taking cefepime. Fast forward to today and I AM NOW PAIN FREE. The whole time before my 2nd surgery my arm always hurt. It turns out that the extra bone that healed over the fracture covered the infection making it not enter my bloodstream, I am only 29 and healthy which is probably why I had a good recovery. Keep in mind that the bacteria pseudomonas aeruginosa is mostly found in hospitals, very rare to get but always a chance. I still have 10 screw holes in my bone and it's been almost 4 months since my 2nd surgery. I hope they fill back in one day as these holes are considered weak points.
Thanks for sharing. Hope you are ok now. Thanks for watching and subscribing
Thank you for this video.
Great info….thanks. My 70 yo wife fell and has a compression fracture of her humerus. This occurred one week ago and has been extremely “challenging”
Yes Nick it can be tough for sure. Thanks for watching and subscribing
Hi, great video. My wife, (Janet), fell from standing 5 nights ago, and has a spiral fracturein her humerus. She has a brace and, last night, she noticed her forearm very swollen, red, and weeping a pink liquid. From your video, this seems normal, but looks very frightening. At 7 minutes you talk about patients with similar worries, and suggest that it is normal. Does it sound like she should be worried? Seeing someone is very difficult in the UK. She can move her wrist and fingers and do a thumbs up, so no problem with feeling and movement. Many thanks, Richard.
I fell 7 feet onto a solid concrete floor yesterday. I have a bruise the size of my hand print and road rash marks all over. And it throbs and aches to even type this because of my arm. I think I broke I’m going to the doctor today.
Get an X-ray and be careful! 7 ft is a long fall and can be very serious. Thanks for watching and subscribing
I fractured my proximal humerus. The shaft detached from the humerus head. I did not require surgery because the fracture did not displace much. At 4 weeks I started pendulum exercises and began using the sling with less frequency. By week 6 I was off the sling completely thanks to early physical therapy. I'm on week 8 now and I can raise my hand 90 degrees, some difficulty, but not incredible. I can brush my teeth, wash my face, reach things close to me, and I can put my hands on my head if a robbery were to take place lol. My recovery, according to my orthopedist and therapist, is faster than usual. I attribute it to being very religious about my therapy, but also focusing on my diet, specifically on nutrient intake that is supposed to help with tissue regeneration and bone healing. Look into vitamin K, calcium, and magnesium rich foods or supplements. Also Vitamin D is very important. Eat a good amount of protein, and keep active as it stimulates your body to regenerate and grow. Work out your non-injured site as it will help you maintain muscle on your injured arm.
Thanks for sharing Juan and continued good luck to you. Thanks for watching and subscribing
Thank you for your reply, I fractured my humerous yesterday and having watched and read a few articles was/am a bit scared however your comment has given me hope. Am off to look at the foods/ nutrients you suggested, thank you.
@@moretus2270 I was scared too. At some point you will realize that it's useless to dwell on what happened and from then on your only goal is to recover your arm as much as you can. Be strong my friend and carry on.
I'm still doing therapy and there is quite a bit of range of motion and strength I still need to recover, one day at a time.
@@metalmusi I agree, am trying to focus on the positive.
I have had two frozen shoulders over the years which took a year or so to recover from. I just am keen for the fracture to heal and then work on the movement. Good luck with your journey, I hope you are soon back to 100% movement.
@@moretus2270 Good recovery man! best wishes
Hi I'm going into my 5th Month since my fracture, and am still suffering with some ROM and deep deep pain, I'm finally getting a second opinion and have asked for a CT, seems something else is going on. I feel miserable, It has taken everything in me to get this far, it is an extremely slow healing injury, on top of that When I fell I injured my neck, seeking a Dr. for that too, didn't feel the neck pain until the shoulder pain eased. Thank you for having Great bed side manners with humor !
Hi Regina. May be separate issues. May be rotator cuff. Good luck. Thanks for watching and subscribing
It was really a informative thank you.
My mum is 62 years old fractured the neck of humerus on 19/12/22
Surgeon took a conservative approach, but on recent x ray he is saying the bone has experienced minimal displacement and if it displaces further surgery is required.
She is in a sling could you give some tips and please tell me how she should sleep?
Should she put a pillow below her arm when she sleeps flat or sleep without support of the pillow?
Thank you for work.
Hi Enosh. Depends on the type of fracture but usually you want the arm hanging down so gravity can align it. Sometimes on a sling or collar and cuff type splint. Often they will heal without surgery. Best of luck to hee. Thanks for watching and subscribing
About 10 years ago I fell about 15 feet, and among many other fractures I broke my collarbone and shattered my scapula. I think there were other injuries in the shoulder as well. That shoulder is somewhat lower than the the normal one, nor can I lift with that arm or put that arm behind my head. No attempt was made to repair any of it, only the fractured vertebrae.
Yikes! Seems odd!
Interesting Robin. The smashed scapula can be very hard to fix. The clavicle as well but is more often operated on nowadays then in the past. Best of luck to you. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.
Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.
I broke my arm falling off of a horse ats a young girl. Thankfully it was a straight break not involving the shoulder bones! I got full range, but so remember having such a hard time sleeping! I got strep throat at the same time 😭. My poor mom, she was the best caregiver!
Oh man Barb! Thanks for watching and subscribing
Why is the breaking of the clavicle (shoulder blade) not mentioned? Most of the falls I hear about in professional cycling are the breaking of this bone. I've had both my shoulders replaced with a reversed Arthroplasty. Your video of that procedure was hilarious and as always most informative.
Hey docs your videos are always so informative and interesting! My apology for the delay reply!😊
Thanks Alida. Thanks for watching and subscribing
Hello, my humerus bone was fractured three months ago, after which I had a plaster for three months, now the plaster is removed and my arm movement is also good. Now it's swollen and the area is a bit thickened what should i do for it kindle tell me i'm a bit tensed about it thanks
Thank You
You're welcome Jay. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.
Love watching all your videos. You docs are the best ever. Thank you 🙏 for all that you do!! Be safe! ❤️Ontario
Thanks so much Anita! Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.
Thank you for this video - it explains exactly what I went through. I broke my shoulder May 16, 2020. No surgery - just a sling. description by orthopedic doctor: x-rays show proximal humerus fracture involving the surgical neck with slight posterior and lateral translation. I had folllow ups and physical therapy, and continue to do exercises as prescribed. Although I have pretty good range of motion, I continue to have pain mid-way between shoulder and elbow. I sometimes feel a "catch" when I and hear a crackling when I move my arm up and/or out to the side. It is difficult to put my hand on top of my head although I can do it with some pain. Since I broke the proximal part of the humerus I don't know why the pain is lower in my arm. Is it normal for this to happen? Thanks for your time and for doing this video - a good way for me to explain what it was like when I fell!!
It is not uncommon Arlene. Hang in there. Thanks for watching and subscribing
Thank you for this very informative video. I am currently at week four of a comminuted proximal humerus fracture with rotator cuff tear in a sling After falling on wet decking by a swimming pool.
Oh man Kerri. No running on the pool deck! Thanks for watching and subscribing
The pain hurts 😢😭
It sure does The Ambitious. Thanks for watching and subscribing
Hi Docs, Thanks for the helpful video. Wondering if you have any thoughts about the use of an infrared and/or red light pad during the healing process? Thanks so much!
There isn’t any evidence for more bone growth at this point. Up to you. Thanks for watching and subscribing
Hi, docs! Hope all is going well.
You too Tracey! Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.
I had a partial tear right rotator cuff in 2010, had surgery to repair and went through the long recovery process with good results. Then in 2015, I fell off some steps and fractured left humeral head with displaced bone. Had surgery to repair with a plate and 6 screws - deja vu on another long recovery process. Results have been good for that one too. Range of motion in both arms is good but I'm not supposed to lift more than 25 pounds and I don't push it after going through all that.
That’s tough kbt. Hope you are ok. Thanks for watching and subscribing
What exactly is a rotary cuff tear which I think I have and will it heal itself over time or get worse, thanks
Hi Rick. We have a video on this that you should watch. It is a tear of one of the 4 muscles around the shoulder. It may get better with time depending on its size and location. Good luck. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.
Seeing the comments gives me hope , if I get the surgery.
Hi .your thoughts? I often swim 2 hrs breast stroke outside all year. Wet suit in winter. Am 69. I fell off a ladder. " closed cominuted 2 part Proximal Humerus Fracture. From 2010-20 lifted weights & did ROM Strength class 12 lb dumb bells 2x week. Stopped lifting at pandemic. Had pinched cervical neck nerve left hand tingle 6 mo ago. It got better w PT. I am 69. Can I swim non op? Can I get surgery? Is it safe . thanks
Thanks guys! You make me miss the OR!
Hi J. Welcome. Yes we all miss the OR. Thanks COVID. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did
Thanks for informational video I have question pls i am 52 I used to do body building with heavy weights for long time beside had some nasty falling in my shoulders now i hear some sounds when I move my arms but no pain is this sign for some thing bad or should i go in with my life and do light weights training thanks
Hi Hcdgj. So if you have no pain just noise it is probably ok to continue on with your activities. If you are concerned, get assessed and get an xray. Good luck. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.
10 days ago I fell while walking on the street and fractured my shoulder.
I’m studying abroad, no one to help me with daily duties.
Doctor said that i have a comminuted fracture but without dislocation.
I’m wearing a shoulder immobilizer.
The pain is kinda less but im wondering for how long im going to wear the immobilizer and if i can get back to my normal life soon and be able to lift weight.
God bless you all, stay safe and get well soon.
Likely a couple of months for sure. Then some rehab. Sorry to hear this. Best of luck
I know it’s late. How did you do?
@@elsavaldivia1602 I'm fine now. It wasn't easy. Hope you didn't break urs
@ I broke it today. I’m scared
@ i’m sorry to hear this. Wishing you a speed recovery. Make sure to immobilize ur shoulder and follow the doctors’ advices. Rehab might be tricky in the beginning but it will progress with time.
Great info, thanks!❤ will I be able to swim again?
just had a fall and broke proximal humerus in three pieces. Dr said the three pieces are in good alignments so no surgery. After watching the video i am terrified of the rom as i am a yoga teacher, if i am not back majority part of the motions - or even feel pain tp put my hand on head, i will need to retire from teaching yoga....
Let’s hope after the bone heals you are back to normal! Thanks for watching and subscribing
Thank you SOOOOO much for this video! Much appreciated. I fell on Aug 31, 2022 and broke my left shoulder (proximal fracture with minimal displacement) -- it hurt like hell for the first four-five weeks but I noticed significantly reduced pain at the end of the fifth week and more flexibility at the end of the sixth week (today). Went back to my ortho and he told me new bones are growing and also that I don't have any significant amounts of osteopenia, which the hospital told me I had. He did say that I will need at least four weeks of therapy moving forward but the therapy place itself won't evaluate me until Friday NEXT week, so I'll start therapy in my 7th or 8th week... woah. I had thought it'd be sooner. Is that a bad thing? What sorts of exercises do you think I can safely do until therapy starts? Any suggestions? I want to go on a treadmill and work out again. I'm so sick of being still... I mean, I walk and move like when I go do grocery etc, but I want to exercise for the sake of exercising! I'm so upset with this... I can't believe this happened. And also to know that many people don't get their ROM back... you two are bumming me out LOL... will I be able to eventually wash my hair with both hands? My left hand was my go to hand for heavier tasks... my right hand is my agile hand. I'm so bummed. My right shoulder is in a lot of pain because it's now compensating for my broken left shoulder, and so it's really painful bc I developed rotator cuff tendinosis on it BEFORE I broke my left shoulder and was babying it... :(
Feel better soon! How horrible for you.. My 11 year old daughter broker the top of her humerus bone in half on the 29th aug this year. She’s still in a sling and I don’t want her out of it just yet. It’s Still early days.! Hope you make a full recovery. 🙏🏼sending love to all who are going through this. X
So you are almost there. They will start slowly with pendulum exercises the. Active assisted exercises using the good arm then active exercises with the bad arm. You can walk on a treadmill as long as you don’t fall. Some people find stationary bike easier and less chance of falling. It is a long road to recovery. Thanks for watching and subscribing
@@TalkingWithDocs Thank you! My orthopedist already told me to do the pendulum exercises (starting from the day I saw him -- end of the 4th week)... I'm getting my PT evaluation this Friday. I ended my 7th week since the fracture today, so I'll be in the middle/start of my 8th week on Friday. My problem is that my "good arm" was actually my bad arm before... it's the one with the rotary cuff tendinosis! :/
@@ginaonthebeachm118 So your daughter broke hers two days before I did! How's she doing? Is she out of the sling? I'm only wearing mine when I'm outside or driving... my ortho told me a week ago that I'm free to take it off if I feel comfortable without it, but I should wear it if I feel that I need it. I do still have pain... sometimes pretty bad, but I'm doing my pendulum exercises in the shower... I don't want a frozen shoulder. Much love and best wishes to you and your daughter... she's only 11... aww... she will make a good recovery, especially with you right there with her xx
I have exactly the same problem waiting for surgery on my right shoulder and then fell and broke the humerus on my left so I know the pain your going through.