Proximal Humerus Growth Plate Fracture
A proximal humerus fracture occurs in the upper arm, near the shoulder. A growth (epiphyseal) plate fracture occurs in children before this plate has turned from cartilage to bone.
Symptoms of a Proximal Humerus Growth Plate Fracture
- Sudden pain on a fall or impact.
- Pain and difficulty when trying to move the shoulder.
- Possible deformity of the shoulder joint.
- Rapid swelling.
Causes
Long bones such as the Humerus grow from the ends. At each end there is a growth (or epiphyseal) plate which is the last part of the bone to harden from cartilage. For this reason, it is the most susceptible area to injury.
Growth plate fractures occur in children and adolescents. This area is rarely injured in adults as the ligaments and other soft tissues surrounding the joint are stronger in a child than the soft bone is. This results in the bone being the first casualty! In adults, the soft tissue is more likely to be injured.
Treatment
- If a fracture is suspected, immobilise the arm and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- An X-ray or MRI will be taken to confirm the diagnosis and the amount of displacement of the bones.
- Non-displaced injuries may be treated conservatively with a period of immobilisation to allow healing, followed by rehabilitation to regain full strength and movement.
- Fractures where the two bones are separated or misaligned may require surgery.
- Surgery aims to realign the bones and fix them in place using pins or wires.
- Immobilisation is again required to allow healing and should also be followed by rehabilitation.
