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When a shoulder is fractured, the integrity of the humerus is compromised. Medical assistance must be immediate. In this article we will look at the main methods of fixing the shoulder joint during a fracture.

The incidence of shoulder fracture is 48%

• General information Main types of shoulder fracture

General information

A shoulder fracture is accompanied by bone deformation and severe pain

The humerus refers to the long bone of the arm, including the epiphyses and diaphysis. About 9% of all injuries in traumatology are fractures of the humerus. The main reason is a strong blow, a fall on the hand.

A shoulder fracture is accompanied by:

• deformation;
• pain syndrome;
• mobility of the damaged section;
• pronounced swelling.

Main types of shoulder fracture

Doctors distinguish 4 types of shoulder fractures. Detailed information is presented in the plate.

Table 1. Types of shoulder fracture.

Banding at the Innovative Vascular Center

Performing a gradient bandage is a real art, which the massage therapists of our center have mastered to perfection. Correct execution of the bandage guarantees stimulation of lymph outflow from the distal to the proximal level, that is, from the hand to the shoulder. We use only special low-stretch bandages and sponge pads in areas of excess swelling and bony protrusions. We apply the bandage only after performing gentle manual and hardware lymphatic drainage.

There are a number of commonly used arm ligation techniques for lymphedema, but they all employ the principles of multi-layer packing and pressure gradient. The layers help protect the skin from irritation, distribute compression evenly over wide areas, and provide high operating pressure and low resting pressure to stimulate lymph flow and prevent constriction.

Complications of a shoulder fracture

If left untreated, dangerous complications can develop.

Table 2. Main complications of the fracture.

Note! A fracture of the humeral neck is complicated by injury to the neurovascular bundle. The main reason is considered to be incorrect reposition. In this case, the patient is prescribed an operation, the purpose of which is to restore the function of the hand.

How to properly fix a fracture?

In order to completely immobilize the shoulder bone, a thoraco-brochial bandage is applied

An analgesic solution is administered to relieve pain. In order to calm the victim’s nervous system, it is necessary to give him any plant-based sedative. It is best to opt for motherwort or valerian extract.

A thoracobrochial bandage is used to completely immobilize the humerus.

The instructions for applying it are as follows:

1. Place the victim on a high stool or table. Retract the injured limb at an angle of 70-80 degrees.
2. Bend your shoulder at an angle of 45-80 degrees. Apply a layer of cotton wool to the body and secure it with an elastic bandage.
3. Place a cotton pad on the area of ​​the joints of the shoulder, elbow, shoulder girdle, as well as on the crests of the iliac bones.
4. Place plaster splints horizontally on the body. Longitudinal splints are placed on the sides.
5. On the injured side, place a long splint over the forearm. A healthy shoulder should not be fixed.
6. Secure the splint with a bandage. You need to start bandaging from the torso, end on the arm. 3 rounds are enough.
7. Starting from the shoulder girdle, a plaster splint is applied. All important areas are affected, including the hands of the heads of the metacarpal bones. In order to prevent sagging of the corset, a spacer stick is plastered in place.
8. An abduction fracture in children is treated using a Whitman-Gromov bandage. The injured arm is abducted to an angle of 100-145 degrees. The plaster splint used is transferred to the torso. In this case, the position is maintained at which a correct comparison of the fragments is achieved.
9. To immobilize the forearm, a splint is applied to the back of the hand, the outer back surface of the shoulder and the forearm. The splint is secured with an elastic or plaster bandage.

Fractures of the forearm bones are treated on an outpatient basis. After applying the plaster cast, the doctor monitors the injured shoulder for 48-72 hours.

Product care

Forearm wraps used for sprains are washable. But do it carefully. It is recommended to wash the bandage by hand in warm water. Use detergents suitable for silk or other delicate fabrics. After washing, do not wring out completely. Dry cleaning and ironing of the headband is strictly prohibited.

When washing the product, do not use detergents with bleaching properties. Chemicals may damage the dressing material. The product must be dried on a flat surface, away from direct sunlight and heaters.

Wearing a retainer

The type of fixator depends on the type of fracture and its severity.

To relieve some of the load from the muscles and ligaments of the shoulder, wearing a brace is prescribed. Against the background of complete immobilization of the injured shoulder, the pain syndrome gradually subsides, and the affected tissues recover faster.

Note! Wearing a brace after a fracture reduces the risk of re-injury.

The rigidity of the clamp is set individually. The main criteria are the “freshness” of the fracture and the general condition of the victim.

Degree of clamp rigidity

The main degrees of rigidity of the clamps are presented in the table.

Table 3. Degrees of rigidity of clamps.

Types of fasteners

The table shows the main types of shoulder braces.

Table 4. Types of fixators for shoulder fractures.

Advantages and disadvantages

The device is simple and easy to use. The bandage is used in emergency situations as a means of temporary immobilization.

The use of an orthosis allows you to reduce the time required for wound treatment. When twisted tightly, the product can replace a hemostatic tourniquet.

Disadvantages include low fixation strength of the device and fragility.

Rules and technique of overlay

There are no clear and strictly defined medical criteria for the use of a bandage. The list of requirements that must be taken into account when using first aid includes:

• Sterility of the material.
• Strength and elasticity of the fabric.
• Correct position of the angle of the bandage (in the uninjured area of ​​the arm).
• The product should not put excessive pressure on the hand or squeeze the blood flow.

There are two options for applying a bandage: on an open wound and on a closed injury. Damaged skin is pre-treated with an antiseptic, dried and bandaged with a sterile bandage.

To prevent pinching of the skin and hair on the neck, soft material is placed under the bandage.

• From a scarf

The piece of fabric is folded diagonally to form a triangle. The size of the scarf is determined by the purpose of use and depends on the height and constitutional characteristics of the victim. Excess material is trimmed or tucked in. The material must be elastic and resilient.

• From a bandage

Used for prophylactic purposes or in the postoperative period. The bandage provides partial immobilization for dislocated joints and isolation of open wounds from external influences.

Wearing a bandage

Conditions accompanying a shoulder fracture, which are indications for wearing a brace, are presented in the table.

Table 5. When is wearing a bandage prescribed?

The best shoulder braces

The table presents the best models of bandages recommended for wearing in case of shoulder injury.

Table 6. Best shoulder braces.

Features of wearing the design

The mode of wearing the structure is determined individually. Elastic bandages prescribed for rehabilitation after mild injury are not recommended to be worn around the clock. The structure is removed at night.

It is recommended to wear the Deso bandage and bandage scarf for 45-60 days.

Why do you need a support bandage?

A scarf-type bandage allows you to immobilize an injured limb until medical attention is provided. A triangular fabric orthosis reliably fixes the injury and prevents further injury and reduces pain.

The scarf is used when installing antitumor compresses and applying medications in the form of ointments.

A homemade immobilizing device effectively fixes a dislocated shoulder, damaged elbow joint or hand. Immobilization promotes accelerated healing of the skin and soft tissues.

When is it appropriate to use a bandage:

1. Reducing mechanical load during post-traumatic rehabilitation for tendon injuries.
2. Dislocation of the joint. Immobilization of the problem area until a medical examination. Reduces pain, prevents the spread of edema and the increase of hematoma.
3. Severe bruises. Maintenance of the limb until x-ray diagnostics.
4. Sprained ligaments and tendons. Restriction of mobility stops the inflammatory process.
5. Compresses. Fixation of external agents in the damaged area.

It is allowed to apply a scarf bandage not to the entire limb, but to a separate area.

The best orthoses

The plate lists the recommended models of orthoses.

Table 7. Which orthoses should I wear?

Indications for using the bandage

The shoulder bandage is used for the following diseases:

Chronic shoulder pain

• Chronic pathologies of the joints of the upper extremities. These primarily include: osteoarthritis, arthrosis and osteoarthritis;
• surgical interventions in the joint area;
• neurological disorders accompanied by deterioration of the function of the shoulder joint;
• Pain and discomfort in the lower extremities.

This bandage is also widely used for sprains and subluxations of the forearm.

Important: the product should not be applied immediately after applying medicated creams to the skin. The product should be completely absorbed into the skin.

Treatment of complicated fracture

The Ilizarov apparatus is prescribed for complex fractures and is worn for 4-8 months

In case of an open fracture of the body of the humerus, the patient is prescribed to wear an Ilizarov apparatus. This is a complex structure consisting of knitting needles and rings.

The wearing period of the device is up to 4-8 months. The main advantage is that joint movements are possible from the first weeks of wearing the structure.

How to speed up the healing process?

Even while wearing the brace, the doctor may recommend that the patient perform simple physical therapy exercises.

Note! Exercises are prescribed only after undergoing a repeat X-ray examination.

Recommended simple exercises are presented in the table.

Table 8. What exercises should you do?

After 30 days, you are allowed to perform more complex exercises. Movements are performed by raising the limb to a horizontal level.