A proximal humerus fracture is a break in the upper part of the arm bone (humerus), near the shoulder. This type of injury is fairly common, especially in older adults after a fall, but it can also happen in younger people due to sports injuries or accidents.

Causes and Symptoms

Most fractures occur after a fall onto an outstretched hand or directly onto the shoulder. Common symptoms include sudden shoulder pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the arm. Sometimes, the arm may look deformed if the bone pieces are out of place.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will examine your shoulder and order an X-ray to confirm the diagnosis. In some cases, a CT scan may be needed to see the fracture pattern more clearly.

Watch video of Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Proximal Humerus Fracture

Treatments

Treatment depends on how severe the fracture is:

• Non-surgical treatment: Many proximal humerus fractures can heal without surgery. The arm is usually placed in a sling for a few weeks to allow the bone to heal. Pain medicine, ice, and gentle exercises are part of recovery.
• Surgical treatment: If the bone pieces are displaced (moved apart), surgery may be needed. This can involve plates, screws, or even a shoulder replacement in severe cases.

Recovery

Healing usually takes about 6–12 weeks. Physical therapy is very important to restore shoulder movement and strength. Some stiffness is common at first, but most patients improve gradually. Full recovery can take several months.

When to Seek Help

Contact your doctor right away if you experience numbness, worsening pain, or if your arm looks pale or feels cold, as these could be signs of a complication.

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT