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Contents
  • Who's at Risk?
  • The Ouch Factor
  • Cracking the Code
  • Treatment: To Cut or Not to Cut?

Cracking the Code: What You Need to Know About Proximal Humeral Fractures

Cracking the Code: What You Need to Know About Proximal Humeral Fractures

The Shoulder Shocker

Proximal humeral fractures are a common but often misunderstood injury. These breaks near the top of your upper arm bone can be a real pain, especially for older adults.
Contents
  • Who's at Risk?
  • The Ouch Factor
  • Cracking the Code
  • Treatment: To Cut or Not to Cut?

Who's at Risk?

Proximal humeral fractures are the third most common fracture in older adults, after hip and wrist fractures. They're especially prevalent in people over 60, with women being three to four times more likely to experience them than men. The main culprits? Frequent falls and low bone density.

The Ouch Factor

If you've got a proximal humeral fracture, you'll know it. Expect moderate to severe shoulder pain that gets worse when you move. You might find yourself holding your arm close to your side for comfort. Swelling and bruising are common, and in severe cases, you might notice a visible deformity in your shoulder.
Proximal humeral fractures are breaks near the top of the upper arm bone, frequently occurring in older adults due to falls and low bone density.

Cracking the Code

Doctors use a system called the Neer classification to describe these fractures. It's like a secret code that helps them understand how serious the break is. The system looks at four main parts of the upper arm bone and how they're affected. The more parts involved, the more complex the fracture.

Treatment: To Cut or Not to Cut?

Good news! About 80% of proximal humeral fractures don't need surgery. For simpler breaks, treatment usually involves wearing a sling and starting gentle exercises after a week or two. More complex fractures might need surgery, but recent studies suggest that non-surgical treatment can be just as effective for many patients.

FAQs

How long does recovery take?

Typically 6-12 weeks for full healing.

Will I regain full shoulder function?

Most patients regain over 90% function with proper rehabilitation.

When can I return to work?

Often within 2-3 weeks, depending on your job requirements.

Can I prevent these fractures?

Maintaining bone health and preventing falls can help reduce risk.

Are there any long-term complications?

Some patients may experience reduced mobility or develop shoulder arthritis.

The Road to Recovery

While proximal humeral fractures can be painful and disruptive, with proper care and patience, most people recover well and regain good shoulder function.
Wondering if your shoulder pain might be a fracture? Don't hesitate to chat with Doctronic, your AI health companion, for personalized guidance and next steps.
Additional References
  1. Court-Brown CM, Garg A, McQueen MM. The epidemiology of proximal humeral fractures. Acta Orthop Scand 2001; 72:365.
  2. Handoll HH, Elliott J, Thillemann TM, et al. Interventions for treating proximal humeral fractures in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2022; 6:CD000434.
  3. Rangan A, Handoll H, Brealey S, et al. Surgical vs nonsurgical treatment of adults with displaced fractures of the proximal humerus: the PROFHER randomized clinical trial. JAMA 2015; 313:1037.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.