No evidence for collar and cuff or sling in uncomplicated shaft of humerus fractures

March 1, 2000

May 29, 2001

Katrina Herren, Research Fellow (Manchester Royal Infirmary)

Simon Carley, Manchester Royal Infirmary

In [adults with uncomplicated shaft of humerus fracture] is [collar and cuff better than broad arm sling] at [reducing pain and non-union].

A 45 year old man attends emergency department having fallen off his bicycle. He has pain around his left upper arm. Examination reveals a probable fracture of the humerus and an x-ray confirms this. There are no neurovascular complications. You have received differing advice about the best way to support the arm after this injury. You wonder whether a broad arm sling or collar and cuff is best.

Medline 1966-12/98 using the OVID interface.

[exp immobilization OR exp bandages OR collar and cuff.mp OR broad arm sling$.mp] AND ({[exp humerus OR humerus.mp OR humeral.mp] AND [exp fractures OR fracture$.mp]} OR exp humeral fractures) LIMIT to human AND english language.

45 papers found none of which were relevant.

There is no literature on the use of collar and cuff or sling in uncomplicated shaft of humerus injury.

There is no evidence to determine if collar and cuff is better than sling for management of uncomplicated fractures of the shaft of humerus. Local advice should be followed.