What type of fracture requires a clamshell brace and sling if not surgically fixated?

A clamshell brace and sling are typically used for humeral shaft fractures that are not surgically repaired. Humeral shaft fractures can often be managed conservatively with the use of this specific type of brace, which provides stability and support to the fractured area, helping to ensure proper alignment during the healing process. The adjustable design of the clamshell brace allows for the management of swelling while also immobilizing the arm, enabling the fractured bone to heal effectively.

In contrast, while other fractures such as radial head, Colles', and supracondylar fractures also have their specific management protocols, they do not typically require a clamshell brace and sling as part of their standard conservative treatment. For example, radial head fractures might be treated with rest and a sling but not necessarily with a clamshell brace, while Colles' fractures (distal radius fractures) are often treated with a cast. Supracondylar fractures, particularly in children, generally require different treatment approaches, often involving specific types of casts or surgical interventions if displacement occurs. Thus, the use of a clamshell brace is most closely associated with humeral shaft fractures due to the unique requirements for stabilization in that region of the body.