Upper Arm Bone Fractures (Proximal Humerus Fractures)
A broken upper arm bone is referred to as a proximal humerus fracture. It occurs near the shoulder joint after a traumatic event, such as a fall or motor vehicle accident.
Open this page on your mobile device.
What is a Proximal Humerus Fracture?
Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
Upper arm bone fractures can be simple or complex and require careful evaluation by a health care provider. X-rays help determine if surgical or nonsurgical treatment is needed.
Upper Arm Bone Fractures (Proximal Humerus Fractures): Overview
5m
Proximal Humerus Fracture Treatment
With and Without Surgery
Some upper arm bone fractures do not need surgery and can be monitored with x-rays as they heal. If surgery is needed, the type of fracture will help determine which surgical treatment is best.
Upper Arm Bone Fractures (Proximal Humerus Fractures): Treatment Options
5m
Proximal Humerus Fracture Surgery
Surgical Animations
A metal plate and screws can be used to hold the broken bone in place to stabilize an upper arm bone fracture. Or, a reverse total shoulder replacement can be performed. This surgery replaces the shoulder joint, including the upper arm bone, with metal and plastic implants.
 Upper Arm Bone Fractures (Proximal Humerus Fractures): Fixation With a Plate Animation 2m |
 Upper Arm Bone Fractures (Proximal Humerus Fractures): Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement Animation 3m |
Additional Educational Resources
Want to dive deeper? Take a look at some of the bonus educational videos to sharpen your understanding of rotator cuff tears.
Upper Arm Bone Fractures (Proximal Humerus Fractures): Bone and Tendon Repair During Shoulder Replacement Animation 3m |
 Upper Arm Bone Fractures (Proximal Humerus Fractures): All-Suture Cerclage Animation 3m |
