Key points

Do shaft fractures of the humerus need surgery to heal?

 This is incorrect. Humeral shaft fractures usually heal with or without surgery.  This is correct. Humeral shaft fractures usually heal with or without surgery.

During brace treatment, there is a chance the fracture will heal with a bend.

 This is correct. The chance of healing with a bend depends on the location and how far the fracture is out of place.  This is incorrect. The chance of healing with a bend depends on the location and how far the fracture is out of place.

If I choose to have surgery, there’s a chance I’ll have a complication from the surgery.

 This is correct. Approximately 10 out of a 100 people experience a complication that is treated with more surgery.  This is incorrect. Approximately 10 out of a 100 people experience a complication that is treated with more surgery.

If I choose a brace, I definitely won’t need surgery.

 This is incorrect. 6 out of 100 people choose surgery later because the fracture is still moving after 4 to 6 weeks in a brace.  This is correct. 6 out of 100 people choose surgery later because the fracture is still moving after 4 to 6 weeks in a brace.

If I choose surgery, I can return to sports or heavy work sooner.

 This is incorrect. The fracture needs 3 months to be ready for heavy lifting, with or without surgery.  This is correct. The fracture needs 3 months to be ready for heavy lifting, with or without surgery.