*UPDATE, Had Surgery* Broken Humerus (upper right arm, mid bone) Surgery vs. No?

Jg144
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Phoenix, AZ US
10/12/2020 7:30pm


Mine was fixed with a rod. Went back to work after two months. Started rehab the 4 days after surgery. My elbow was super stiff that took some work. Also had to rehab my rotator cuff because they go through it to insert the rod. It’s been 11 years with no issues.
avidchimp
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EGL, MN US
10/12/2020 7:36pm
chasetwo79 wrote:
I broke my right humorous in the same place as you and completely in half like you. It was about 16 years ago and I let...
I broke my right humorous in the same place as you and completely in half like you. It was about 16 years ago and I let it heal without surgery I had no long term issues. However the first 3 months were tough. As it heals and grows it’s gonna be painful and the worst part about it is that you have to sleep sitting up and never let that arm drop.

You’ll get through it.
Same. Broke my right humorous in '99. Did not get surgery either and it healed just fine. It was 12 weeks of hell though. Zero issues now, but there is a nice lump in the middle of my arm.
nytsmaC
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Frig Off CA
10/12/2020 8:04pm
MX558 wrote:
Go to an upper extremity specialist as there is a difference . I'm not a believer in jack of all trades . I did my ulna...
Go to an upper extremity specialist as there is a difference . I'm not a believer in jack of all trades . I did my ulna and elbow and the first guy didn't do surgery when he should have . I wasted 2 months on that blunder
Agreed. Find a good specialist and get the plate/screws.I wouldn’t want the rod/pin, keep them awayfrom your shoulder if at all possible. I shattered the head of mine and broke it off, so different from this but I picked up a few things through the ordeal.
Gworm
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Monett, MO US
10/12/2020 8:36pm
Seems like a lot of guys had good luck with the surgery and a lot without.

I broke mine on Easter Sunday 1986 at a race at Allen Ranch I’m Bixby, OK. I went to St Francis in Tulsa, and was told the best orthopedic
surgeon in OK was rebuilding a guys knee from a car wreck, and afterwards he’d be operating on me.

He told me if he wasn’t so tired, he’d recommend the surgery, because he could make a lot more money. But said in a year or so I would be just as well off without it.

Mine healed just fine. I was working with my Dad building houses, and I honestly didn’t trust it very much climbing around while we were framing for about a year, but overall it worked out well.

It was in four pieces about 3 in above my elbow. The pieces ended up fusing in a diamond shape with a hole in the center I could have stuck my finger through, but it’s given me very little trouble, although the last few years ( I’m 56 now), I think I’m getting arthritis in it.

Also, it healed a little crooked, I can’t touch my left shoulder with my thumb, and I can’t turn my palm all the way up when my arm is stretched out. So other than dropping change at McDonalds drive thru, I don’t have much problem with it.

The Shop

kxf250f176
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Lafayette, IN US
10/12/2020 8:45pm
I broke mine in 2 places at 18 years old. Very painful injury and super inconvenient for daily life. Healed naturally but my arm is crooked...
I broke mine in 2 places at 18 years old. Very painful injury and super inconvenient for daily life. Healed naturally but my arm is crooked. It affects a few things like pronating my arm flat enough to type comfortably, I compensate at the shoulder. I don’t notice it riding or any other physical activity. If I had to do it again and had a good surgeon I would probably go for it but my doctor also scared me away from surgery with the radial nerve talk. An orthopod I had 2 years ago after breaking my elbow said he locates the nerve and protects it, has done lots of humeral fractures. He was 100% confident and claimed he’d had no issues.
This just reminded me of mine with the locating of the nerve. The doctor actually brought in a specialist to find the radial nerve and protect it before they started plating the bone. The doctor said almost two hours of the surgery was just getting the nerve protected. These are the things to ask your doctor and to get a better feel of their capabilities and risk.
Spagina767
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Fredericksburg, VA US
10/12/2020 10:49pm Edited Date/Time 10/12/2020 10:52pm
I had a great visit with the surgeon at VCU. He said that, based on the gap in my bones, 70-80% chance it will heal fine how it is without a single complication. His recommendation for a non athlete would be to wait 6-7 more weeks to see how it’s healing and go from there.

He also did say that, because of the gap that my bones have to “bridge”, that it will be a long time in a brace and sling, and that by the time I can work on mobility I will undoubtably have significant atrophy and mobility issues. All things that can be fixed with diligence, time, PT, patience.

He said I could get the surgery and be using m my arm to type and use a mouse at work three day’s after the surgery. I could IMMEDIATELY work on my mobility. So, by the time the bone is fused my mobility would be solid and I could focus on strength. We spoke in great detail about the nerve. He seemed extremely confident that it wasn’t a big issue. He absolutely acknowledges the risk, but seemed very knowledgeable and disciplined in his approach... the kind of confidence id want in the guy cutting me open.

I asked him “if I was an ATHLETE walking in here what would you say?” Surgery.

Essentially it seems that surgery will get me to 1) professional work at near full capacity in day’s instead of months. 2) athletically to full capacity in 3-4 months instead of 6-9 months. 3) a straight, normal length and rotated arm instead of potential issues. Issues aren’t likely, but possible.

I’m scheduling surgery in the morning. Only regret so far is waiting two weeks to make the decision. I need to be 100% at work ASAP and have way too many ambitions for a long heal when technology is showing me that the surgery *should* go just fine... fingers crossed.

Truly appreciate all the feedback, guys!
2
10/12/2020 11:15pm
chasetwo79 wrote:
I broke my right humorous in the same place as you and completely in half like you. It was about 16 years ago and I let...
I broke my right humorous in the same place as you and completely in half like you. It was about 16 years ago and I let it heal without surgery I had no long term issues. However the first 3 months were tough. As it heals and grows it’s gonna be painful and the worst part about it is that you have to sleep sitting up and never let that arm drop.

You’ll get through it.
avidchimp wrote:
Same. Broke my right humorous in '99. Did not get surgery either and it healed just fine. It was 12 weeks of hell though. Zero issues...
Same. Broke my right humorous in '99. Did not get surgery either and it healed just fine. It was 12 weeks of hell though. Zero issues now, but there is a nice lump in the middle of my arm.
So what you are saying is " In Rod We Trust".
1
10/12/2020 11:20pm
Jg144 wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2020/10/12/453960/s1200_24710AD5_58A6_46F1_B23D_B6759A4588D2.jpg[/img] Mine was fixed with a rod. Went back to work after two months. Started rehab the 4 days after surgery. My elbow was super stiff...


Mine was fixed with a rod. Went back to work after two months. Started rehab the 4 days after surgery. My elbow was super stiff that took some work. Also had to rehab my rotator cuff because they go through it to insert the rod. It’s been 11 years with no issues.
The only issue with the nail / rod is if you leave it in there is the chance of another crash and bending the rod.
I have one in my lower leg, the surgeon said if i bend it, it will be really bad news trying to get it out.
nytsmaC
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10/12/2020 11:51pm
Spagina767 wrote:
I had a great visit with the surgeon at VCU. He said that, based on the gap in my bones, 70-80% chance it will heal fine...
I had a great visit with the surgeon at VCU. He said that, based on the gap in my bones, 70-80% chance it will heal fine how it is without a single complication. His recommendation for a non athlete would be to wait 6-7 more weeks to see how it’s healing and go from there.

He also did say that, because of the gap that my bones have to “bridge”, that it will be a long time in a brace and sling, and that by the time I can work on mobility I will undoubtably have significant atrophy and mobility issues. All things that can be fixed with diligence, time, PT, patience.

He said I could get the surgery and be using m my arm to type and use a mouse at work three day’s after the surgery. I could IMMEDIATELY work on my mobility. So, by the time the bone is fused my mobility would be solid and I could focus on strength. We spoke in great detail about the nerve. He seemed extremely confident that it wasn’t a big issue. He absolutely acknowledges the risk, but seemed very knowledgeable and disciplined in his approach... the kind of confidence id want in the guy cutting me open.

I asked him “if I was an ATHLETE walking in here what would you say?” Surgery.

Essentially it seems that surgery will get me to 1) professional work at near full capacity in day’s instead of months. 2) athletically to full capacity in 3-4 months instead of 6-9 months. 3) a straight, normal length and rotated arm instead of potential issues. Issues aren’t likely, but possible.

I’m scheduling surgery in the morning. Only regret so far is waiting two weeks to make the decision. I need to be 100% at work ASAP and have way too many ambitions for a long heal when technology is showing me that the surgery *should* go just fine... fingers crossed.

Truly appreciate all the feedback, guys!
I think you’re making the right choice. Keep us posted how it goes.
Gworm
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Monett, MO US
10/13/2020 4:18am
Good luck! I think it sounds like he explained it well, and you’ve made a good decision.
Walter
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Tucson, AZ US
10/13/2020 4:42am
I broke mine a few years ago in a kart racing crash. Longer surface area complete break over a shallow angle. I wore a clamp-style cast and it healed well w/o surgery.

A right angle complete break is a different deal.

Trust your doc, but verify with a second opinion.
ti473
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Arlington Heights, IL US
10/13/2020 5:05am Edited Date/Time 10/13/2020 5:06am
I also broke my tibia in a similar fashion a few years after the humorous, and, because of the two failed rod removal surgeries I just had, I decided to try letting it heal on its own. Perhaps the leg is different because it’s heavier and it’s harder to keep still, but after a month/month and a half in a cast, the bone was still overlapping and just not healing, so I ended up having to have it rodded anyway. I didn’t have insurance at the time, so I had to get that one done at a sketchy hospital full of interns and people with gun wounds. It came out fine though. Later I tore my ACL in the same leg, and got the screws removed during that surgery.
Don’t get me wrong, I think after any big injury, most [whatever body part you break] will never be quite the exact same again, but it should come back to be fully functional and pain free to where you won’t really think about it.
KAWI642
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Danville, VA US
10/13/2020 5:24am Edited Date/Time 10/13/2020 5:26am
Spagina767 wrote:
I had a great visit with the surgeon at VCU. He said that, based on the gap in my bones, 70-80% chance it will heal fine...
I had a great visit with the surgeon at VCU. He said that, based on the gap in my bones, 70-80% chance it will heal fine how it is without a single complication. His recommendation for a non athlete would be to wait 6-7 more weeks to see how it’s healing and go from there.

He also did say that, because of the gap that my bones have to “bridge”, that it will be a long time in a brace and sling, and that by the time I can work on mobility I will undoubtably have significant atrophy and mobility issues. All things that can be fixed with diligence, time, PT, patience.

He said I could get the surgery and be using m my arm to type and use a mouse at work three day’s after the surgery. I could IMMEDIATELY work on my mobility. So, by the time the bone is fused my mobility would be solid and I could focus on strength. We spoke in great detail about the nerve. He seemed extremely confident that it wasn’t a big issue. He absolutely acknowledges the risk, but seemed very knowledgeable and disciplined in his approach... the kind of confidence id want in the guy cutting me open.

I asked him “if I was an ATHLETE walking in here what would you say?” Surgery.

Essentially it seems that surgery will get me to 1) professional work at near full capacity in day’s instead of months. 2) athletically to full capacity in 3-4 months instead of 6-9 months. 3) a straight, normal length and rotated arm instead of potential issues. Issues aren’t likely, but possible.

I’m scheduling surgery in the morning. Only regret so far is waiting two weeks to make the decision. I need to be 100% at work ASAP and have way too many ambitions for a long heal when technology is showing me that the surgery *should* go just fine... fingers crossed.

Truly appreciate all the feedback, guys!
yeah it's a no brainer. good luck
Jake_CR250R
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Ozark, MO US
10/13/2020 5:46am
I think you're making a good call with surgery. Did you by chance ask the surgeon how many of these types of surgeries he has done?
Spagina767
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Fredericksburg, VA US
10/13/2020 7:13am
I think you're making a good call with surgery. Did you by chance ask the surgeon how many of these types of surgeries he has done?
He has done some but didn’t say he has done a ton. More wrist and elbow stuff. He said people that break the humerus normally get it plated in the ER Trauma center after a car wreck or something, because it’s not a super common injury in a “normal” stick and ball sports setting.

That said, he stated that he has done plenty and had full confidence.
kxf250f176
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Lafayette, IN US
10/13/2020 11:04am Edited Date/Time 10/13/2020 11:05am
I think you're making a good call with surgery. Did you by chance ask the surgeon how many of these types of surgeries he has done?
Spagina767 wrote:
He has done some but didn’t say he has done a ton. More wrist and elbow stuff. He said people that break the humerus normally get...
He has done some but didn’t say he has done a ton. More wrist and elbow stuff. He said people that break the humerus normally get it plated in the ER Trauma center after a car wreck or something, because it’s not a super common injury in a “normal” stick and ball sports setting.

That said, he stated that he has done plenty and had full confidence.
Interesting about the ER comment. I went to the ER after my crash and after they did the x-rays they said they didn't have the experience to plate it. So they gave me something that put me under for 15 minutes or so and just tried to place the bones and splint it until I could see an orthopedic specialist who would know what to do. It sounds like your doctor has experience tho and knows what he's doing.
VetMX.com
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Magnolia, TX US
10/13/2020 3:48pm
Too difficult of a decision from only 1 Doctor. See 2 others before deciding.
Dutch348
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US
10/14/2020 10:29am
I think you made the right call, that gap would take forever to heal. I had my humerus plated with eight screws. Mine was in the elbow, broke off the tip of the humerus as well as the ulna with a lot of bone fragments. Still have the hardware 20 years later with no issues.
1
Spagina767
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10/16/2020 5:18pm Edited Date/Time 10/17/2020 10:54am
Surgery went well today, everyone! I’m sitting at home relaxing with the nerve block right now feeling pretty good. The doctor waited to have the nerve block performed until after I woke up from surgery and moved my right hand every direction possible showing that the radial nerve was not affected. Super excited about that. My only issue is that the nurse anesthetist Must’ve done something goofy, and now my uvula and my throat is tore up. Liquid food only. Break my damn arm get it fixed and now I’m dealing with throat issues ha ha! Oh well, could have worse problems. on the road to recovery ready for the next gate drop. Thanks for everybody’s advice along the way!
3
sandarne
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US
10/17/2020 1:04am Edited Date/Time 10/17/2020 10:55am
I proke my left humerus in may this year while riding, swedish hospital did not want to do the surgery, dont ask me why probably they want to save money or something. Anyway i knew that my arm needed surgery since if not getting surgery with plate my arm would probably even not heal, and if it heal it would be 3 cm shorter.
I found a clinic in stockholm that would do the surgery but i had to pay for it.
When they opened up my arm there was no sign of healing and they said it would possible not even heal by itself.

So my answer is get the surgery if you can ofcourse,
You can start use your arm almost right after surgery, much easier to clean your arm there is so many pros with surgery.

cloud41
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Chicago, IL US
10/17/2020 4:29am
Getting survey sounds like the favorable choice. I broke mine and had 3 pins hold it together. 3-4 month recovery time, and it works better than before the break.
kxf250f176
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Lafayette, IN US
10/17/2020 5:36am
Spagina767 wrote:
Surgery went well today, everyone! I’m sitting at home relaxing with the nerve block right now feeling pretty good. The doctor waited to have the nerve...
Surgery went well today, everyone! I’m sitting at home relaxing with the nerve block right now feeling pretty good. The doctor waited to have the nerve block performed until after I woke up from surgery and moved my right hand every direction possible showing that the radial nerve was not affected. Super excited about that. My only issue is that the nurse anesthetist Must’ve done something goofy, and now my uvula and my throat is tore up. Liquid food only. Break my damn arm get it fixed and now I’m dealing with throat issues ha ha! Oh well, could have worse problems. on the road to recovery ready for the next gate drop. Thanks for everybody’s advice along the way!
Glad it went well! Now get ready for the physical therapy. The arm well be stiff from the scar tissue in a week but the PT will get you back to full mobility.
10/17/2020 6:40am
Spagina767 wrote:
Surgery went well today, everyone! I’m sitting at home relaxing with the nerve block right now feeling pretty good. The doctor waited to have the nerve...
Surgery went well today, everyone! I’m sitting at home relaxing with the nerve block right now feeling pretty good. The doctor waited to have the nerve block performed until after I woke up from surgery and moved my right hand every direction possible showing that the radial nerve was not affected. Super excited about that. My only issue is that the nurse anesthetist Must’ve done something goofy, and now my uvula and my throat is tore up. Liquid food only. Break my damn arm get it fixed and now I’m dealing with throat issues ha ha! Oh well, could have worse problems. on the road to recovery ready for the next gate drop. Thanks for everybody’s advice along the way!
Hard to say, could been a traumatic Intubation. Happens. That will heal though. Glad your nerve pathways intact. Hopefully you’ll be able to get to physical therapy sooner than later and keep that shoulder mobile.
Gworm
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Monett, MO US
10/17/2020 12:21pm
I thought an uvula was one of them “wimmen parts”
Spagina767
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Fredericksburg, VA US
1/24/2021 10:34am Edited Date/Time 1/24/2021 10:34am
Anyone who is wondering, here is my results.

Broken arm 9/26.

Surgery, 10/19.

Benched 255 on 1/16, and will be riding next weekend. I easily could have been riding 8 weeks after surgery but I’ve been finishing my basement.

I am 99% healed other than a touch of shoulder pain during certain workouts, but who knows. It could be due to having a SLAP tear I never repaired, and my wreck may have made it worse.

Within two weeks of the surgery, normal day to day life was 95% norma. The only reason that wasn’t faster was due to some elbow and shoulder lock from being in the damn sling for weeks instead of doing the surgery right away.

Opinion? If you’re going to work hard after the surgery, you can be near 100% so damn fast that I have ZERO idea why it would even be an option for a 31 year old athletic male to let this this injury heal naturally.

Find a great surgeon, get the surgery, get back to life and riding IMHO.




6
1/24/2021 12:45pm
Hey great news looks like you got a good job done there, I'm late to this thread, I broke my humorous really badly in 2010 doing vet mx , broke at elbow & shoulder & fragmented in between, there was no choice but surgery, large plate & 9/10 screws which are still there over 10 years later causes me no issues so far.

I did however get a radial nerve palsy & dropped wrist was 6 months or more to get back to 95% I had the electrolysis which is not very comfortable my surgeon said if they have to move it ( radial nerve) & so much as blow on it you usually get a palsy,

I notice they did yours slightly to the side to avoid as much as possible which has helped in your case. I still have some slight numbness in my thumb.

I'm glad I had surgery & was plated as I think that's the way to go, my surgeon asked me in the emergency ward if I want it done properly or I could leave to heal naturally which was kind of a trick no brainer to answer.

Good luck looks like yours has been a proper good job.

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