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?

A proximal humerus fracture occurs due to trauma or injury, often resulting from a fall onto an outstretched hand or a direct blow to the shoulder region. Such accidents exert excessive force on the upper arm bone, leading to its fracture near the shoulder joint. Activities like sports-related collisions, vehicular accidents, or falls from heights are common scenarios that can cause this type of fracture. Additionally, osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weakened bones, can increase the risk of a proximal humerus fracture, especially in older individuals. In some cases, repetitive stress or overuse of the shoulder joint can also contribute to the development of a fracture in the proximal humerus. Understanding the causes of this injury is crucial for implementing preventive measures and appropriate treatment strategies to minimize its occurrence and facilitate optimal recovery.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PROXIMAL HUMEROUS FRACTURE?

Common symptoms of a shoulder fracture include pain in the upper arm and shoulder, swelling, difficulty raising the injured arm due to limited movement, bruising, discoloration, a grinding sensation when moving the shoulder, deformity giving it an abnormal appearance, occasional bleeding in the case of an open fracture, and potential loss of normal arm use 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.