Humerus fracture

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Humerus fracture
X-ray of a comminuted midshaft humeral fracture with callus formation
Synonyms	Fracture of the humerus
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Pain, swelling, bruising, deformity of the upper arm
Complications	Nerve injury, vascular injury, nonunion, malunion
Onset	Sudden, following trauma
Duration	Weeks to months, depending on severity and treatment
Types	Proximal humerus fracture, midshaft humerus fracture, distal humerus fracture
Causes	Trauma, fall, direct blow, osteoporosis
Risks	Osteoporosis, advanced age, high-impact sports
Diagnosis	Physical examination, X-ray, CT scan
Differential diagnosis	Shoulder dislocation, biceps tendon rupture, rotator cuff tear
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Immobilization, surgery, physical therapy
Medication	Pain management, anti-inflammatory drugs
Prognosis	Generally good with appropriate treatment
Frequency	Common, especially in older adults
Deaths	N/A

Humerus and Radius Fractures

Greater Trochanter Anterior-Posterior View

Greater Trochanter Y View

A Humerus Fracture is a break in the large bone of the upper arm, the humerus. This type of fracture can occur in any part of the humerus, including the ends near the shoulder and the elbow.

Types of Humerus Fractures

There are three main types of humerus fractures based on the location of the fracture:

• Proximal Humerus Fractures: These fractures occur at the top of the humerus, near the shoulder. They are most common in older people with osteoporosis.
• Midshaft Humerus Fractures: These fractures occur in the middle of the humerus. They can happen to anyone, but are often the result of a direct blow or fall.
• Distal Humerus Fractures: These fractures occur at the end of the humerus, near the elbow. They are relatively rare and usually the result of a direct blow or fall.

Causes

Humerus fractures are typically caused by a direct blow to the arm, a fall onto an outstretched arm, or a violent twisting of the arm. Certain medical conditions, such as osteoporosis or bone cancer, can weaken the humerus and make it more susceptible to fracture.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of a humerus fracture include severe pain, swelling, bruising, and inability to move the arm. In some cases, there may be a visible deformity or the bone may even protrude through the skin.

Treatment

Treatment for a humerus fracture depends on the location and severity of the fracture. Non-surgical treatments include immobilization with a cast or splint, pain medication, and physical therapy. Surgical treatments may be necessary for more severe fractures and can include internal fixation, where hardware is used to hold the bone in place, or joint replacement.

Additional images

• 

  Trochanter Fracture

• 

  Proximal Humeral Fracture

• 

  Proximal Humerus Fracture

• 

  Mid Shaft Humerus Mark

• 

  Spiral Fracture

See Also

• Bone Fracture
• Osteoporosis
• Bone Cancer

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