You have broken the top of your arm bone near your shoulder joint (proximal humerus)

Most of these fractures are treated with a collar and cuff sling followed by physiotherapy. The eventual recovery with this treatment is usually good.

What will happen after I leave hospital?

An orthopaedic consultant will review your x-rays. You will get a telephone call to confirm your treatment

Collar and cuff/sling

This will help provide pain relief and allow the fracture to heal in a suitable position.

Movements

We recommend that you exercise your hand and wrist. Gradually start by rotating your forearm in the sling. Be guided by the level of discomfort you feel. We suggest you remove your sling twice daily and gently bend and straighten your elbow whilst supporting the weight of your arm. These movements will help reduce hand swelling and prevent stiffness of the joints in your upper limb.

Painkillers

We suggest Paracetamol; and Ibuprofen, if you can take them. Ask your pharmacist for advice. The pain usually greatly improves after the first two weeks but can take longer.

Sleeping

You may be more comfortable sleeping propped up on several pillows in bed or in a reclining armchair in the early days after your injury.

Fracture clinic review

Arrangements will be made for you to attend a fracture clinic to be reviewed by an Orthopaedic surgeon. At this clinic decisions will be made regarding further imaging such as x-rays and follow up. In some cases an operation will be needed. If so the Orthopaedic surgeon will discuss this with you at the clinic.

Osteoporosis screening

If you are post-menopausal or fell from a standing height or less we will discuss Osteoporosis screening with you at clinic.

Physiotherapy

This is usually started three weeks after your injury with gentle ‘pot stirring’ exercises.

When can I return to regular activities?

It will take up to six weeks before you can return to regular activities. This may be longer if your work involves strenuous use of your upper limb.

Should you have any worries or concerns following your discharge from hospital please contact

01228 814898 8am – 5pm Mon –Fri - Answer phone at other times.

More information at https://www.ncic.nhs.uk/services/virtual-fracture-clinic

Confidentiality

‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.

For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:

Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961

Feedback

We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:

pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818

If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:

complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302