Proximal humerus fracture
Other namesProximal humeral fracture
Multi-fragmented fracture of the proximal humerus with involvement of the greater tuberosity
SpecialtyOrthopedics
SymptomsPain, swelling, decreased ability to move the shoulder[1]
Types1 part, 2 part, 3 part, 4 part[2]
CausesFall onto the arm, direct trauma to the arm[3]
Risk factorsOsteoporosis[4]
Diagnostic methodX-rays, CT scan[3]
TreatmentArm sling, specific exercises, surgery[3]
FrequencyCommon[4]

A proximal humerus fracture is a break of the upper part of the bone of the arm (humerus).[3] Symptoms include pain, swelling, and a decreased ability to move the shoulder.[1] Complications may include axillary nerve or axillary artery injury.[3]

The cause is generally a fall onto the arm or direct trauma to the arm.[3] Risk factors include osteoporosis and diabetes.[4][5] Diagnosis is generally based on X-rays or CT scan.[3] It is a type of humerus fracture.[6] A number of classification systems exist.[5]

Treatment is generally with an arm sling for a brief period of time followed by specific exercises.[3] This appears appropriate in many cases even when the fragments are separated.[7] Less commonly surgery is recommended.[3]

Proximal humerus fractures are common.[4] Older people are most commonly affected.[3] In this age group they are the third most common fractures after hip and Colles fractures.[5] Women are more often affected than men.[5]

Signs and symptoms

Typical signs and symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and limited range of motion at the shoulder. Deformity may be present in severe fractures, however, musculature may cause absence of deformity on inspection.[8]

Numbness over the outside part of the upper arm and deltoid muscle weakness may indicate axillary nerve injury.[8] Symptoms from poor blood circulation in the arm is uncommon due to collateral circulation in the arm.[8]

Cause

Young adults without risk factors usually require significant trauma, such as in the setting of a motor vehicle collision.[8]

Older adults more commonly experience proximal humerus fractures after a fall from standing height.[8]

Risk factors

People with increased risk of falls are more likely to have a proximal humerus fracture, as this is also the most common mechanism of injury.[9]

Osteoporosis increases the risk of proximal humerus fractures.[10]

Pathophysiology

Anterior and posterior views of the proximal humerus with labeled bony landmarks and muscle insertion sites.

The shoulder joint consists of the glenoid cavity of the scapula and the head of the humerus. It as an extremely mobile joint that is stabilized by surrounding soft tissues such as the joint capsule, muscles, and ligaments.[11] The greater and lesser tuberosities are bony landmarks of the proximal humerus and serve as attachment sites for musculature.

The anterior and posterior humeral circumflex arteries branch off of the axillary artery to provide the majority of the blood supply to the proximal humerus.[11]

The axillary nerve courses inferior to the shoulder joint and innervates the deltoid and teres minor muscles. It also provides sensation at the skin overlying the shoulder. This nerve is the most commonly injured nerve in proximal humerus fractures due to its location close to the proximal humerus.[12]

Muscles that attach to the proximal humerus and can cause a deforming force on fracture fragments include the pectoralis major, the deltoid, and the rotator cuff muscles.[11]

Diagnosis

The standard x-ray views of the shoulder include a true anterior-posterior view, a lateral (Y or outlet) view, and an axillary view.[13] A Velpeau view can be done as an alternative to the axillary view if an examinee is unable to position the shoulder for an appropriate image. This can be obtained by having the examinee lean backward 45 degrees while an xray beam is aiming towards the floor.[11]

A CT scan of the injured shoulder can be done to help further characterize the fracture and determine articular involvement. CT scan is also an option if an axillary view is unattainable.[11]

MRI is not typically indicated in the setting of proximal humerus fracture, although it may be useful in assessing injury to soft tissue structures such as the rotator cuff muscles.[11]

Classification

The Neer classification of proximal humerus fractures is the most commonly used classification system. It classifies fractures depending on the number of segments (2-4 parts), and whether or not there is displacement present. This classification has a low amount of agreement between physicians using the classification system, although formal training sessions may improve agreement.[14]

The AO/OTA classification system is another commonly used system that groups fractures depending on whether the fracture is unifocal or bifocal, and whether or not the fracture goes through the articular surface.[15]

Treatment

There are both non-surgical and surgical options for treatment of proximal humerus fractures. The recommended treatment is decided based on fracture stability as determined with imaging and clinical exam.

Non-Surgical

Most proximal humerus fractures are stable and can be treated without surgery.[8] Typical non-operative treatment consists of shoulder immobilization with a sling. Close follow-up and weekly x-rays are recommended in order to ensure that the fracture is healing and maintaining good alignment.[8]

Passive range of motion exercises for the shoulder can be done when pain has subsided. This can be done with the assistance of a physical therapist.[8]

When properly indicated, non-surgical treatment options for proximal humerus fractures have good outcomes in terms of fracture healing and restoration of arm function.[8]

Surgical

Surgical options for unstable proximal humerus fractures include:[8]

Epidemiology

Proximal humerus fractures account for approximately 4-7% of all fractures in adults.[11][8] It is the most common fracture of the humerus, as well as the most common fracture at the shoulder girdle.[11][8]

They are more common in women than men, and occur more often in older adults. The average age of people who sustain a proximal humerus fracture is 63–66 years.[8]

Special populations

Children

A proximal humerus fracture in a young child may be a sign of child abuse.[16] In older children and adolescents proximal humerus fractures frequently occur in the setting of sports or trauma.[16]

Proximal humerus fractures in children can commonly be treated non-operatively due to the large amount of bone growth that occurs at the proximal humerus.[16] In older children where there is less time for bone remodeling, surgery may be indicated more frequently.[16]

References

  1. 1 2 "Shoulder Trauma (Fractures and Dislocations)". OrthoInfo - AAOS. Retrieved 7 November 2018.
  2. ↑ Carofino BC, Leopold SS (January 2013). "Classifications in brief: the Neer classification for proximal humerus fractures". Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. 471 (1): 39–43. doi:10.1007/s11999-012-2454-9. PMC 3528923. PMID 22752734.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "Proximal Humeral Fractures". Merck Manuals Professional Edition. Retrieved 7 November 2018.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Jo MJ, Gardner MJ (September 2012). "Proximal humerus fractures". Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 5 (3): 192–8. doi:10.1007/s12178-012-9130-2. PMC 3535090. PMID 22644599.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Bentley, George (2009). European Instructional Lectures: Volume 9, 2009; 10th EFORT Congress, Vienna, Austria. Springer Science & Business Media. p. 81. ISBN 9783642009662.
  6. ↑ "Humerus Fracture (Upper Arm Fracture) | Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Library". www.hopkinsmedicine.org. Retrieved 7 November 2018.
  7. ↑ Handoll, Helen Hg; Elliott, Joanne; Thillemann, Theis M.; Aluko, Patricia; Brorson, Stig (2022-06-21). "Interventions for treating proximal humeral fractures in adults". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2022 (6): CD000434. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD000434.pub5. ISSN 1469-493X. PMC 9211385. PMID 35727196.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Court-Brown, Charles M; Heckman, James D; McQueen, Margaret M; Ricci, William M; Tornetta, Paul; McKee, Michael D (2015). Rockwood and Green's fractures in adults (8th ed.). Philadelphia. ISBN 9781496312938. OCLC 893628028.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  9. ↑ Biberthaler, Peter; Kirchhoff, Chlodwig; Waddell, James P. (2015-10-28). Fractures of the proximal humerus. Biberthaler, Peter,, Kirchhoff, Chlodwig,, Waddell, J. P. (James P.). Cham. ISBN 9783319203003. OCLC 927168941.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  10. ↑ Warriner AH, Patkar NM, Curtis JR, Delzell E, Gary L, Kilgore M, Saag K (January 2011). "Which fractures are most attributable to osteoporosis?". J Clin Epidemiol. 64 (1): 46–53. doi:10.1016/j.jclinepi.2010.07.007. ISSN 1878-5921. PMC 5030717. PMID 21130353.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Egol, Kenneth A. (2015). Handbook of fractures. Koval, Kenneth J., Zuckerman, Joseph D. (Joseph David), 1952-, Ovid Technologies, Inc. (5th ed.). Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health. ISBN 9781496301031. OCLC 960851324.
  12. ↑ Crosby, Lynn A.; Neviaser, Robert J. (2014-10-28). Proximal humerus fractures : evaluation and management. Crosby, Lynn A.,, Neviaser, Robert J. Cham. ISBN 9783319089515. OCLC 894509226.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  13. ↑ Maier D, Jaeger M, Izadpanah K, Strohm PC, Suedkamp NP (February 2014). "Proximal humeral fracture treatment in adults". J Bone Joint Surg Am. 96 (3): 251–61. doi:10.2106/JBJS.L.01293. PMID 24500588.
  14. ↑ Brorson S, Hróbjartsson A (January 2008). "Training improves agreement among doctors using the Neer system for proximal humeral fractures in a systematic review". J Clin Epidemiol. 61 (1): 7–16. doi:10.1016/j.jclinepi.2007.04.014. PMID 18083458.
  15. ↑ Brorson S (October 2013). "Fractures of the proximal humerus". Acta Orthop Suppl. 84 (351): 1–32. doi:10.3109/17453674.2013.826083. PMID 24303817.
  16. 1 2 3 4 Popkin CA, Levine WN, Ahmad CS (February 2015). "Evaluation and management of pediatric proximal humerus fractures". J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 23 (2): 77–86. doi:10.5435/JAAOS-D-14-00033. ISSN 1067-151X. PMID 25624360. S2CID 22295727.
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