Pearls

Humeral shaft fractures generally heal well with conservative measures and can tolerate significant angulation:
– Up to 20° of sagittal plane angulation
– Up to 30° of varus or valgus angulation
– Up to 2-3 cm of shortening

Transverse fractures may look cleaner, but they have higher rates of non-union than more severe-appearing spiral fractures.

Valgus mold should be applied to coaptation splint to counteract varus deformity.

Complications

Radial nerve injury occurs in 11% of humeral shaft fractures.