Humeral shaft fracture

Bone deformity

Comminutive humeral shaft fracture with an anterior and varus angulation.

Varus/valgus angulation measurement

We measure the angle formed by the two parts of the fracture. First, we look at the angle in varus or valgus on the anteroposterior X-ray (here, about 20°). This angle is important for choosing between a conservative and an operative treatment.

Angulation measurement

Anterior/posterior angulation measurement

We then measure the anterior or posterior anglulation on the lateral X-ray (here, about 12°).

Translation measurement

Displacement measurement

We measure the translation between the main parts (here, about 2.9 cm).

Shortening measurement

We finally measure any shortening of the bone involved.