Which cast is used for fracture of the upper portion of the humerus and shoulder joint?

• A. Shoulder Spica Cast
• B. Sugar Tong
• C. Short Arm Circular Cast
• D. Hanging Cast

Answer: (A)

When a fracture involves the upper part of the humerus and the shoulder joint, immobilizing the shoulder girdle is essential to prevent movement at the glenohumeral joint during healing. A shoulder spica cast accomplishes this by wrapping from the chest around the shoulder and upper arm, effectively immobilizing both the shoulder and proximal arm.

The other options don’t provide that global immobilization of the shoulder. A sugar-tong splint or a short arm circular cast mainly stabilize the elbow and forearm and don’t control shoulder motion. The hanging cast is designed for cases where different segments of the arm are immobilized but does not reliably immobilize the shoulder joint itself. Therefore, the shoulder spica cast is the appropriate choice for fractures involving the upper humerus and shoulder.