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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Wearing The Sling Mandatory After Shoulder Fracture?

Hello. Sunday I went to the urgent care and they did x-rays and said that I have a fracture on the top (ball) part of my humerus (right shoulder). The physician there said that it doesn't look too bad, but scheduled me for an appt with a specialist. He also gave a sling to wear. My question is that I have a desk job, and I'm a righty and use the mouse a lot. It is very minimal movements, but I took off the sling at work today. Will this be a problem or will it be fine? I tried to keep the movements to a point where it did not really hurt. Is wearing the sling mandatory?
Mon, 15 Dec 2014
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello,When the sling is in place, it should be loosely fitted, allowing the arm to hang down under the effect of gravity.The arm should not be ‘cinched-up’
against the chest.It is very important to use your hand and fingers even while you are wearing a sling. While we do not recommend that you lift anything heavier than a coffee cup or a telephone receiver, use of your fingers and hand will help prevent stiffness. Additionally, make sure that you take your arm out of the sling at least twice daily to allow the elbow to completely straighten. This is very important to prevent permanent stiffness to your elbow.
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General & Family Physician Dr. Nishad BN's  Response
Hi
Thank you for asking HCM
I have gone through your query.For fractures if treated conservatively then 1 joint above and 1 joint below should be immobilized for getting a good environment for fracture consolidation.In your case sling is mandatory for 4 to 6 weeks as when you remove it you will be out of immobilization of fractured area.But if it is fixed by osteosynthesis using screws or plates then early mobilization is possible.You can move your wrist and fingers with out effecting the overall immobilization.Initial period it is very crucial that you should keep the area immobilized for good healing.Hope this may help you.
Let me know if you have any further query.
Thanks
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Is Wearing The Sling Mandatory After Shoulder Fracture?

Hello,When the sling is in place, it should be loosely fitted, allowing the arm to hang down under the effect of gravity.The arm should not be ‘cinched-up’ against the chest.It is very important to use your hand and fingers even while you are wearing a sling. While we do not recommend that you lift anything heavier than a coffee cup or a telephone receiver, use of your fingers and hand will help prevent stiffness. Additionally, make sure that you take your arm out of the sling at least twice daily to allow the elbow to completely straighten. This is very important to prevent permanent stiffness to your elbow.