Have you ever wondered how the upper part of your arm, from your shoulder to your elbow, does so much? The main reason for that is because of a special bone there. Today we are going to talk about that very important bone called the humerus. This is a very important part of our body.
What is this humerus? What does it do?
Simply put, the humerus is the bone in your upper arm. It is the only long bone from your shoulder to your elbow. It is one of the longest bones in your body, apart from the bones in your legs. The humerus is essential for moving, bending, and rotating your arm. It also holds many important muscles, tendons, ligaments, and parts of the circulatory system in our arm.
Think of it this humerus bone is like the main pillar in our arm. It's the one that takes care of everything else.
- It helps to move, bend, and rotate the arm.
- About 13 important muscles are holding it tightly.
- It helps keep your elbows, the rest of your arms, and even your palms stable.
Where is the humerus bone located? What is its shape?
The humerus is the bone in your upper arm. It is the only bone that extends from your shoulder to your elbow.
If you look at its shape, the part on the shoulder side is a little round. It's like a ball. This ball is what fits inside the shoulder socket. The middle part is long, we call it the shaft. The part on the elbow side is a little flat. That's what forms the elbow joint.
Even though it's one long bone, it has several parts. A doctor might use these names when talking to you about an injury. So it's good to know them just in case.
Proximal Aspect
This is the upper end of the humerus bone. It connects to the shoulder joint. This part contains:
- The ball-shaped part called the humeral head or humeral ball.
- Greater Tuberosity
- Lesser Tuberosity
- The groove-like part is called the Intertubercular Sulcus . This is also called the Biceps Groove.
The middle part of the humerus bone (Humerus Shaft)
This is the middle of the humerus, the longest part of your arm. It supports the weight of your upper arm and gives it shape. It's a little rounder near the shoulder, and flatter near the elbow. This part contains:
- Deltoid Tuberosity
- A groove called a radial groove .
Distal Aspect
The lower end of the humerus bone forms the upper part of the elbow joint. It connects to the other two bones in your forearm, the radius and ulna. This part contains:
- Supracondylar Ridges
- Epicondyles
- Trochlea
- Capitol
- Places like the coronoid, radial, and olecranon fossae .
Now you might be wondering what all these names are for. These names are often used by doctors to tell you exactly where you have pain or a problem. If your humerus ever breaks – that is, if you have a humeral fracture – these are the words that the doctor will use to describe where the bone is broken.
How big is this humerus bone?
Aside from the bones in your legs, the humerus is one of the largest bones in your body. In an adult, it's usually about a foot long.
What are the common diseases and disorders that affect the humerus bone?
The most common problems affecting the humerus bone are fractures, osteoporosis, and damage to the nerves or muscles involved.
Humerus Fractures
A fracture is what we medically call a bone break. You can break the humerus bone during a trauma, such as a fall or a car accident. Some people break it while playing sports. When a bone breaks, you may experience symptoms like:
- Sharp pain
- A swelling
- Tenderness when touched
- Not being able to shake hands normally
- Bruising or skin discoloration
- A lump or bump that is not normally visible.
If you have had an accident like this and think you have a broken bone, you should go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens the bones. This makes them more likely to break easily and unexpectedly. Many people only find out they have osteoporosis after they break a bone. This is because it doesn't have obvious symptoms at first.
Women and people over the age of 50 are at higher risk of developing osteoporosis. If you talk to your doctor and get a bone density test, you can identify this condition before a bone breaks.
Nerve and Muscle Damage
If you injure your humerus bone, there is a high chance that the muscles and nerves that are connected to it will also be damaged. Here are some of the most common types of injuries:
- Rotator Cuff Injuries: The rotator cuff is a collection of muscles and tendons that help stabilize and move your shoulder joint. Sports injuries and traumas, such as falls and car accidents, are the main causes of rotator cuff injuries.
- Dislocated Shoulders: A dislocated shoulder is when the ball-like part of the humerus bone (humeral head) comes out of its socket. A dislocated shoulder can be caused by a hard blow to the shoulder or a strong pull.
- Radial Nerve Damage: Your radial nerve is what helps you move your elbow, wrist, hand, and fingers. It runs from your armpit down your arm. Many people who break their humerus bone also damage this radial nerve in the same accident.
If you experience new pain in your arm or shoulder, be sure to talk to a doctor.
What tests are done to check the health of the humerus bone?
The most important test to check the health of the humerus bone is a bone density test , also known as a DEXA scan. This uses low-level X-rays to measure how strong your bones are. It is a good way to measure the amount of bone loss that occurs as you age.
If you have a humeral fracture, which is a break in the humerus bone, your doctor or surgeon may need to perform imaging tests such as:
- X-rays
- MRI Scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging - MRI)
- CT Scan
What are the common treatments for the humerus bone?
Your humerus bone usually doesn't need any special treatment, unless you have a fracture or other injury to your arm. However, if you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, you may need treatment.
Humerus Fracture Treatment
The treatment for your fracture will depend on how it happened and where the bone is broken. You may need to wear a splint or cast to keep your arm still. You may also need surgery to set the bone and immobilize it until it heals.
Treatment for Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis can be treated with vitamin and mineral supplements, exercise, and medications.
In most cases, exercise and taking necessary vitamins and minerals (supplements) are enough to prevent osteoporosis. Your doctor will develop a treatment plan that is right for you and your bone health.
Rotator Cuff and Shoulder Dislocation Treatment
A doctor diagnoses and treats shoulder dislocations and rotator cuff injuries. Most people who have a shoulder dislocation will need to wear a sling for several weeks. If the rotator cuff is torn, surgery may be needed to repair it.
How to keep your humerus healthy? (Last thing you need to know)
You can keep your bone health (and your overall health) in good shape by following a good diet and exercise plan, and by seeing your doctor for regular checkups. If you're over 50 or have a family history of osteoporosis, talk to your doctor about a bone density scan.
Follow these general safety tips to reduce the risk of injury:
- Always wear a seatbelt when riding in a vehicle.
- Use appropriate safety equipment for every activity and sport you do.
- Keep your home and workplace free of unnecessary items that could trip you or others.
- Always use proper tools or equipment to reach things that are high up in the house. Never climb on chairs, tables, or counters.
- Follow a diet and exercise plan that helps maintain good bone health.
- If you have difficulty walking or are at high risk of falling, use a cane or walker.
Remember, your humerus is a very important bone that allows you to use your arm every day. Talk to your doctor about your risk of osteoporosis. Anything you do to improve your overall health will help keep your bones strong.
` Humerus, shoulder bone, fracture, osteoporosis, arm bones, bone health, rotator cuff
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