Emergency and Urgent Care - Humeral Brace

Introduction

You have sustained a fracture to your humerus which requires treatment with a humeral brace. This has been provided and fitted in the department.

This information leaflet will provide you with information about the brace, how to re-apply it, how to care for it and possible complications to look out for.

Treatment

Humeral braces are commonly used in the treatment of fractures to the humerus.

The aim of the brace is to restrict the movement of the arm and stabilise the fracture whilst it heals. The brace comprises of three sections.

The first section is the collar and cuff which the clinician will advise how to apply in the department. The second section is the shoulder strap which wraps around your back and under the opposite arm. The final section is the arm strap which wraps around your injured upper arm giving some tension and support.

On your visit you will be advised by the clinician if you are allowed to remove the brace, when you will receive follow up care at fracture clinic and approximately how long to wear the brace for. If in pain regular pain relief is advised.

Paracetamol and ibuprofen can be bought over the counter and are very effective at reducing localised pain and swelling. Refer to the patient information leaflet in the medicine boxes for advice of dosage and side effects prior to taking. You may have been prescribed pain relief on your visit, if so take this as prescribed and ensure you read the leaflet before taking.

How to re-apply the humeral brace at home

Do not remove the brace unless advised, this may be for personal hygiene. It is important to re-apply the brace as soon as personal hygiene is completed and to keep the arm as still as possible throughout to avoid pain or delayed healing.

Below is written instructions on how to remove and re-apply the humeral brace. You will need assistance to do this and it is highly advised you watch the video link provided as the brace can be complicated to apply.

To remove your brace:

• Start with the two straps around the upper arm section of the brace. Unfasten the front of the straps and fold the Velcro back on themselves
• Lean towards the injured arm to let the arm naturally come away from the body. Unfasten the upper arm section and remove from the upper arm. You can then sit back up straight
• Next you need to unfasten the shoulder strap by undoing the clip and then lifting the brace off
• Keep the collar and cuff section in place at all times so the arm remains supported when the brace has been removed

To re-apply your brace

• The brace should be fitted under clothing so it is in direct contact with your skin
• Place the brace on the top of the upper arm making sure that the top section of the brace is line with the shoulder. The clip needs to be under the collar and cuff
• Take the shoulder strap, put it around your back and under your opposite arm so that you have got some padding underneath the armpit for comfort
• Bring the strap under the collar and cuff and fasten the clip
• Next you need to fasten the arm section, to do this you need to lean over to the injured side so that the arm comes naturally away from the body. This allows you to pass the strap under the upper arm and gently fasten up at the front
• You can then fasten the straps that tighten the brace. Take the straps under the arm and loosely tighten them up
• The final stage of fitting the brace is to make sure it is nice and firm at all times, but not too tight. To do this unfasten the two Velcro straps on the upper arm brace, pull gently and fasten them up again
• It is important to do the adjustments to the upper arm straps every day. Be aware on some days when your swelling reduces you will need to tighten the brace up. On other days you may need to loosen it up

Please visit this link on the internet for a video showing the how to re-apply your humeral brace:
https://vimeo.com/488587395/e5d721c72a

Work

If you do not feel capable of going to work due to either pain or reduced mobility you are able to self-certify sickness for 7 days.

You must complete a self-certification form found on the government website and give this to your employer. This entitles you to statutory sick pay from your employer for up to 7 days.

To access the link to the self-certification form please go to:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statutory-sick- pay-employees-statement-of-sickness-sc2

If you feel you need longer than 7 days off work you must contact your GP for a sick note. We cannot provide sick notes from the Urgent Treatment Centre.

If your GP is based within the Rochdale borough they will have received a notification of attendance from us detailing your diagnosis.

Possible complications

Humeral braces have very minimal complications however you must seek medical help if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Severe pain
• Swelling/throbbing pain in arm
• Pins and needles/reduced sensation to hand or fingers
• Pain remains despite suggested healing time and pain relief

Please contact the Rochdale Urgent Treatment Centre on 01706 517023.