Medical Questions » Bones Questions » Question No. 154
| Question: | I have broken the bone in the upper part of my arm, but my doctor has not put it in plaster. Is this the correct treatment? |
| Answer: | Yes. It is not normally practical to immobilise the upper part of the arm (the bone here is called the humerus) because the shoulder is such a mobile joint. It would require a plaster that encased the chest and extended down to the elbow to do this. Most fractures of the humerus set very well if left alone while hanging by the side. The wrist is normally supported by a sling, and sometimes the elbow is strapped to the body. No attempt should be made to use the arm, and it will heal in 6 to 8 weeks. |
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