- [Home](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en) - [Conditions](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en/conditions) - [Paediatric injuries and fractures](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en/conditions/injuries-fractures) - Humerus fractures in children [Back to the paediatric injuries and fractures guide](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en/conditions/injuries-fractures) Fracture assessment Information page for parents # Humerus fractures in children The humerus is the bone of the arm, between shoulder and elbow. In children, humerus fractures may involve the proximal part near the shoulder, the shaft (central part) or the distal part near the elbow. [Book a visit](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en/locations)[Back to the paediatric injuries and fractures guide](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en/conditions/injuries-fractures) ## What I assess during the visit During the visit I personally review the X-ray images together with the report and any available documentation. I assess the type of fracture, alignment and stability, the child's age and remaining growth, and any relationship with the growth plate. These elements help understand whether the current pathway is appropriate and how to plan the following check-ups. The check-up can be useful after an injury, an X-ray or an emergency department visit. These are very different fractures. A proximal humerus fracture in a young child has great remodelling potential, while a shaft fracture or a fracture close to the elbow may require different evaluations. The child's age is therefore a key factor. In case of visible deformity, severe uncontrolled pain, cold or pale fingers, sensory changes, open wounds or major trauma, urgent ER care is required. ![Dott. Daniele Priano - Ortopedico Pediatrico](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/assets/doctor-avatar-3d-B7t_C744.webp) #### 🩺 Clinical note In paediatric fractures it is not only about whether a bone is broken: site of the lesion, growth plate involvement, the child's age and remodelling potential all shape the follow-up plan. ## Proximal humerus fracture Proximal humerus fractures are often seen after falls or sports trauma. In younger children, residual shoulder growth can allow good remodelling, but in adolescents the evaluation must be more careful, especially with significant displacement or major functional limitation. ## Shaft humerus fracture Shaft humerus fractures are less frequent than other paediatric fractures but deserve careful evaluation. In younger children some situations may be managed conservatively, while in older children and adolescents the surgical option is more often considered when alignment, stability or functional recovery are unsatisfactory. Neurological assessment is also important: some humerus fractures may be associated with irritation or injury of nearby nerves. ## Distal fractures and elbow Distal humerus fractures often fall within elbow trauma and include, among others, supracondylar fractures. These are typical paediatric lesions and require attention to the relationship with the joint, nerves and vessels. ## Possible aspects to check - fracture location: shoulder, shaft or elbow - age and residual growth - alignment and stability - arm pain and function - any neurological signs - relation to the elbow or shoulder joint Aspects assessed during a paediatric orthopaedic visit. They are not self-management criteria. [When surgery is considered Surgical treatment of paediatric humerus fractures Indications, conservative alternatives, techniques and follow-up.](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en/surgery/fractures/humerus) ## Related content [paediatric sports traumatology](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en/conditions/sports-injuries)[surgical treatment of paediatric fractures](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en/surgery/injuries-fractures)[fractures near the growth plate](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en/surgery/physeal-fractures)[Back to the paediatric injuries and fractures guide](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en/conditions/injuries-fractures) ## Complete injuries and fractures pathway This page is part of the paediatric injuries and fractures pathway. The main guide covers the overall picture and the warning signs. - [1 Overview: when an injury is urgent How growing bone behaves, what happens in the emergency room and when an orthopaedic review is useful.](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en/conditions/injuries-fractures) - [2 Shoulder and arm Clavicle and humerus fractures: often managed without surgery, but the indication depends on age, site and displacement.](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en/conditions/clavicle-fracture-children) [Humerus · you are here](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en/conditions/humerus-fracture-children) - [Humerus surgery](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en/surgery/fractures/humerus) - [3 Elbow and forearm Supracondylar, forearm and wrist fractures: the most frequent paediatric sites.](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en/conditions/elbow-fracture-children) - [4 Hand and fingers: recovery after immobilisation Recovery sheet for finger motion after a splint or cast, with the stiffness signs to report.](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en/parents-kids/exercises/post-cast/after-finger-cast) Adjacent clinical pictures: [Sports injuries](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en/conditions/sports-injuries) ### Related Articles [Updates Proximal humerus fracture in children: when is surgery really needed?](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en/blog/proximal-humerus-fracture-children-when-surgery-is-needed)[Updates Pediatric supracondylar fractures: how much do timing and morphology influence the need for open reduction?](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en/blog/supracondylar-fracture-timing-morphology-open-reduction) [All articles →](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en/blog) ## Paediatric orthopaedic check-up after trauma or fracture Dr. Daniele Priano sees children and adolescents in Milan. The visit can be useful after the ER, X-rays, a cast, sports trauma or questions about the follow-up pathway. [Book a paediatric orthopaedic check-up](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en/locations)[See locations and booking](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en/locations) Content for general informational purposes only. It does not replace a medical evaluation. --- Canonical: https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en/conditions/humerus-fracture-children Le informazioni cliniche sono divulgative e non sostituiscono una valutazione medica diretta.