| > Site Map |
| Fractures & Dislocations
about the Shoulder > Fractures of the Proximal Humerus What is a Fracture of the Proximal Humerus? The humerus is the long bone in the arm that attaches to the shoulder joint at one end and the elbow at the other. It can be fractured in the lower portion, the mid portion and the upper portion, where it connects to the shoulder joint. The third scenario is what is typically referred to as a fracture of the proximal humerus. The shoulder blade and humerus form the glenohumeral joint. This is what you would normally think of as your "shoulder joint". The glenohumeral joint is a ball-and-socket joint, consisting of the head of the humerus and the glenoid fossa, which is formed by a slightly hollowed portion of the end of the shoulder blade. The area of bone between the head and the shaft of the humerus is called the neck. Fractures of the proximal humerus (“humeral head fracture” or “surgical neck fracture”) frequently occur in elderly women with osteoporosis, a condition of brittle, fragile bones. These fractures can vary in severity but 80 percent of them are minimally displaced and can be treated with a sling. Surgery is rarely needed in the elderly but may be advised in younger people. Causes of a Fracture of the Proximal Humerus? Accidents such as falls against the shoulder or on an outstretched hand are also causes of fractures of the proximal humerus. Sometimes, a blow from a blunt object or a collision of some sort can cause the proximal humerus to break. Symptoms of a Fracture of the Proximal Humerus?
Treatment of a Fracture of the Proximal Humerus? The goal of treating broken bones is to set them, making them whole again. A broken proximal humerus usually requires a simple arm sling to be worn for about 4 weeks. After the first week, patients may be able to begin mild exercises for the shoulder joint to prevent it from getting stiff. As the fracture heals then both the shoulder joint and the humerus can have more vigorous exercises prescribed by your physical therapist or physician. With more severe fractures of the proximal humerus, surgery is sometimes needed, which may include shoulder arthroplasty (shoulder replacement surgery). As in the case of any suspected fracture, seek medical care as soon as possible. Many tissues quickly lose their elasticity and must be promptly treated in order to assure maximum healing. Immediately after injury, use blankets to decrease the possibility of shock. Cut away clothing, if possible, but do not move the injured limb to do so. Your doctor will examine the fracture site for neurovascular damage and take x-rays of the injured area, including the joints above and below the primary injury site. He or she will ask for details about how the injury occurred, and will need to know about previous conditions of the fractured bone. Healing is considered complete when there is no motion at the fracture site and x-rays reveal complete bone union. The information provided herein is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting a licensed physician. © 2000 DynoMed.com, LLC, Indianapolis, IN |