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.
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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
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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
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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 |
Proximal Humerus Fracture Surgery
Surgical Demonstrations
To repair an upper arm bone fracture, an incision will be made along the front of the shoulder. This allows the surgeon to access the fracture to repair or replace the broken bone.
 Upper Arm Bone Fractures (Proximal Humerus Fractures): Fixation With a Plate 2m |
Upper Arm Bone Fractures (Proximal Humerus Fractures): Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement 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 |