Fracture Bracing
What is fracture bracing?
Upper extremity fracture bracing is a snug, functional orthosis (often a Sarmiento-style humeral brace, or a similar brace for the forearm) that compresses the soft tissue around a broken bone. Unlike a long cast that locks the joints above and below, many functional braces leave the shoulder and elbow free to move within limits set by the physician.
Why is fracture bracing done?
These braces are used for selected, stable or converting-to-stable fractures of the humerus or forearm when the fracture alignment is acceptable and the patient can be followed closely. Compression helps control the fragments while muscles and everyday motion encourage healing. They are not appropriate for every fracture pattern. Unstable, open, or poorly aligned injuries may still need casting or surgery.
What are the benefits of fracture bracing?
- Supports the fracture while allowing prescribed motion at nearby joints
- May help avoid stiffness of the shoulder or elbow that can follow prolonged casting
- Can be tightened as swelling goes down
- Allows skin checks and hygiene that a closed cast does not
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