T or Y Fracture of the Humerus

HumerusThe elbow is an important structure in the body where the humerus, radius, and ulna meet. The intersection of these bones forms the elbow, an integral hinge joint that provides important function. Sometimes, patients can develop fractures in this joint. One such fracture is a T or Y fracture of the humerus, also called an intercondylar fracture.

What is a T or Y Fracture of the Humerus?

The humerus is the thick bone that makes up the upper part of the arm. The humerus travels down and connects to the elbow. At this site, there are thickened projections called condyles that help to increase the surface area of the bone where it articulates with the elbow. A fracture in these condyles, in contrast to a humerus shaft fracture, can split into three separate fragments, giving this fracture the name T or Y fracture as a description of the injury.

How do People Sustain this Fracture?

The majority of intercondylar fractures develop when people extend their arms to protect against chest trauma. When people feel an impending impact coming, either from a fall or due to a traffic accident, they will extend their arms to protect themselves. While this will protect the vital organs, the force of the impact strikes the hands and travels up the arm. This could potentially lead to an intercondylar fracture.

Treatment Options

Because the bone splits into three pieces, the physician will need an x-ray to take a look at the fragments and figure out where they’re located. Then, the physician will need to make a decision regarding whether or not surgery is required.

Possible Complications a T or Y Fracture of the Humerus

Because this fracture splits into three separate pieces, there is the potential for complications. Most of the complications arise due to open fractures, or fractures that break the surface of the skin. These fragments can separate and cause damage to nerves and blood vessels, leading to major bleeding risks and possible infections. Whether it’s an infection, bleeding, or nerve damage, this can extend a hospital stay and drive up healthcare costs.

Other Structures may be Damaged

The splitting of the bone into three pieces creates the potential for nerves and blood vessels to be severed. If nerves are damaged, patients could suffer from neuropathic pain that can be extremely debilitating and hamper patients’ quality of life. Examples of nerves that could be damaged include the median nerve, the radial nerve, and the ulnar nerve.

Differential Diagnosis

With a T or Y fracture, other injuries on the differential diagnosis include:

Prognosis of a T or Y Fracture of the Humerus

Most intercondylar fractures will require plates and screws to put the bone back together. With the bone splitting into three pieces, it is unusual to have the fragments sitting in perfect position to heal. While most patients will heal with the proper treatment, there is always the risk that patients could have chronic pain. For this reason, cases are handled on an individual basis.

Surgery May be Needed

Almost every fracture in this scenario will require surgery to place the three separate bones in proper position. If imaging reveals bones that are out of place, surgery is required.

Contact an Experienced Bone Fracture Attorney

I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Bone Fracture Attorney. Patients suffering from this dangerous fracture should call me at 916.921.6400 for friendly, free advice.

I am a member of the California Million Dollar Advocates Forum. We are some of the top trial lawyers in the United States and have won multiple million dollar decisions in prior cases.

Please spend some time going through my prior verdicts and settlements.

Past customers have left helpful reviews on Avvo, Yelp, and Google.

Image Attribution: Bill Rhodes via Wikimedia Commons

:dr bw [cs 664]

Client Reviews
★★★★★
"Me and my wife; had a car accident. We were amazed how easy, professional, friendly attorney Ed Smith is along with his staff. Everybody is amazing. Thank you so much, we are very impressed!" Alex & Dinah M.
★★★★★
"Ed Smith and his office team took on a difficult personal injury case on my behalf and for the passenger in my car. Ed is a top- notch attorney. His staff couldn't have been more helpful and kind. No need to look elsewhere. I give Ed Smith my highest recommendation." Beverly
★★★★★
"Ed and Robert have been taking great care of my husband and I for the past 5+ years. They are always there when you have a problem and a quick resolution! Even when the issues have nothing to do with them. They are willing to help ease the pain off your shoulders. They are as good as it gets! Thank you again for everything." Annie T.
★★★★★
"Very professional. Great team, staff and service all around. Mr Smith was very honest, straight forward with his advice. He gives the word "attorney" an honest reputation. I will seek his council anytime, and would recommend him at the drop of a dime." Jeremy M.
★★★★★
"I would highly recommend Ed Smith to any friends or family in need of a personal injury attorney. Ed, and his staff, are very caring on top of being very experienced in this field. The staff always keeps you informed of the status of your case and they are always easy to reach by phone." Shannon D.
★★★★★
"Edward Smith law offices provide competent, thorough, and personable help for victims of personal injury. When you first meet the staff you know you contacted the right office. This law office treats clients like people. I recommend this office to anyone seeking representation regarding personal injury." David M.