The fracture may be accompanied by damage to the brachial artery. If injury to this artery goes undetected, it may impair circulation to the arm, resulting in deformity of the forearm and hand, due to muscle damage caused by insufficient blood supply. Any suspected fracture of the humerus should be referred to a doctor immediately and X-rayed. A fractured humerus takes about six to eight week to heal. Lower fractures sometimes fail to mend properly, resulting in a deformity at the elbow.
First aid consists of applying an improvised splint, tied in place both above and below the break.
Support the arm with a sling and bind the upper arm to the chest wall. If it is an open fracture, cover the wound with a sterile dressing and do not let the splint press against the break. Do not attempt to cleanse the wound. Elbow Repetitive strain on the tendons of the muscles at the points at which they attach to the elbow can lead to an inflammation at these points. Sprains also commonly occur in this area, especially in children.