This leaflet answers common questions about neck of humerus fractures. If you would like further information, or have any worries, please do not hesitate to ask your nearest clinician.

What is a neck of humerus fracture?

This is a break to the top of your upper arm bone. You have been diagnosed with a neck of humerus (upper arm) fracture as shown on the picture of the x-ray. Many of these can be treated without surgery but these can be very painful and swollen. Please expect three months for the fracture to heal.

Healing

This normally takes 6-12 weeks (about 3 months) to heal. Smoking will slow down your healing. We would advise that you stop smoking while your fracture heals. Talk to your GP for more information.

Pain and swelling

Your arm may be swollen, and you will have some pain. Taking pain medication and using ice or cold packs will help. More information is on the next page.

Wearing your sling

l be provided with a collar and cuff sling as shown. You can take it off to wash, dress and do your exercises.

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Exercise and activity

It is important to start gentle exercises straight away to prevent stiffness. 

You will find pictures and instructions for your exercises below. Do not lift your arm over shoulder height for the first three weeks. You should not do any heavy lifting or overhead movement for the first six weeks   

Follow-up

If you experience new numbness, tingling or hand weakness, please contact the clinic for guidance. You may be re-called to the hospital for x-rays as needed.

Caring for your injury

You will be provided with a collar and cuff sling as shown above. It is important that the hand rests in the cuff with no upward pressure on the elbow. 

The elbow must be left to hang freely otherwise it may move the fracture and cause pain. Do not rest the elbow on the arm of a chair. 

You are encouraged to remove the hand from the cuff and perform daily exercises

Exercises

Start these exercises straight away. Hand, wrist, and elbow exercises are only needed while you are wearing a sling. You can stop these once they become easy, and you have full movement. Try to do these exercises four to five times a day. Repeat each exercise 10 times.

Hand, wrist, and elbow exercises

Open and close your hand. Next, move your wrist up and down. Repeat 10 times.

After a few days, hold a soft ball or rolled up socks. Squeeze the ball and hold for five seconds. Repeat five times.

Bend and straighten your elbow. Repeat 10 times.

Bend your elbow to a right angle. Slowly turn your palm up to the ceiling and down to the ground. Repeat 10 times.

Posture exercise

Bring your shoulders back and gently squeeze your shoulder blades together. Hold for 20-30 seconds.

Repeat five times.

Shoulder pendulum exercise

Stand next to a firm surface. Support yourself with your un-injured arm and lean forwards. Let your injured arm relax and hang down to the ground.

Gently swing your arm, making a small movement. Try to do this forward and backward, side to side and in small circles. Aim to do this for one to two minutes in total. You do not need to push into pain. Remember to keep your arm relaxed.

​​​​​​Concern about your symptoms

If you are concerned about your symptoms and/or struggling to return to exercise, please contact the virtual fracture clinic.

I am struggling with my sling. What do I do?

Contact the virtual fracture clinic. We can give advice or change your brace if needed.

Driving

You can return to driving when:

  • You are no longer using a sling
  • You can move comfortably and
  • You can control the vehicle safely.

Please refer to the DVLA website regarding your fitness to drive if required.

Fitness for work statement

You can get a fitness for work statement from your GP or the doctor at your fracture clinic appointment.