Proximal Humerus Fractures
This condition is a fracture of the head of the humerus- the “ball” of the shoulder’s ball-and-socket.
Cause
This type of fracture can be caused by direct trauma to the shoulder. It commonly affects elderly people whose bones have been weakened by osteoporosis.
Symptoms
This fracture can be very painful and may make it hard to move your arm.
Additional symptoms include:
A severely swollen shoulder
Inability to move the arm
Severe pain
Treatment
Treatment options depend on the severity of the fracture. If the bones have not shifted, the fracture may be treated with a sling. If the bones have become displaced, surgery is needed to realign and anchor the bones or to replace the joint.
