PROXIMAL HUMEROUS FRACTURES
WHAT IS A PROXIMAL HUMEROUS FRACTURE?
Proximal humerus fracture(broken humerus): When the shoulder at the top of the upper arm bone breaks. The bone usually fractures just below the ball of the shoulder joint. This can occur in patients of all ages from various traumatic causes.
WHAT CAUSES A PROXIMAL HUMEROUS FRACTURE?
In elderly people, a proximal humorous fracture typically results from a fall. In young people, this injury usually results from a motorcycle or motor vehicle accident.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PROXIMAL HUMEROUS FRACTURE?
- Painful in the upper arm and shoulder
- Swelling
- Limited movement- difficulty raising injured arm
- Bruising
- Discoloration
- A grinding sensation when the shoulder is moved
- Deformity-“it does not look right:
- Occasional bleeding (open fracture)
- Loss of normal use of the arm if nerve injury occurs
WHAT DOES THE HUMEROUS DO?
The proximal humerus is the ball of the shoulder joint. The humorous lets you move your shoulder in circles, allowing your muscles to be under the correct tension to maintain strength. Your rotator cuff muscles are attached to this bone. Shoulder arthritis occurs when the cartilage and joint surface of the ball and socket joint become irregular.
