PROXIMAL HUMERUS FRACTURE

Proximal humerus fractures are a break of your upper arm bone. The upper arm bone, called the humerus, is part of the bones that make up the shoulder joint. Symptoms include severe pain and swelling, bruising, inability to move the shoulder, a grinding sensation with shoulder movement, and a deformity (“It does not look right”). The goal of treatment is to realign the bone into the correct position for proper healing. Depending on the break alignment, surgery may or may not be recommended.

A proximal humerus fracture occurs at the top portion of bone near the shoulder joint. Fractures are usually caused by a direct blow to the area, commonly from a fall, collision or accident.

Symptoms include severe pain and swelling, bruising, inability to move the shoulder, a grinding sensation with shoulder movement, and a deformity (“It does not look right”).

The goal of treatment is to realign the bone into correct position for proper healing. Depending on the break alignment, surgery may or may not be recommended. Proximal humerus factures that are not displaced can be managed non-surgically. However, if the bone fragments are out of position, surgery is required. Plates, screws or pins are used to fixate the fracture fragments. All fractures require immobilization and then rehabilitation. These injuries can take several weeks up to months to heal properly. Rehabilitation is important to restore strength and range of motion.