What Is a Proximal Humerus Fracture?
A proximal humerus fracture is a break in the long bone of the upper arm at the shoulder joint. In a young person, this kind of a break can happen after a severe trauma to the shoulder. More commonly, a proximal humerus fracture may occur after an older person with osteoporosis takes a fall. During bone development, four growth plates form at the end of the humerus at the shoulder joint. These plates are originally made of cartilage and they give the bone flexibility and allow it to grow in length. As the humerus bone reaches maturity, the growth plates solidify into bone. They are, however, susceptible to fracture if the patient takes a fall and lands on her open hand.
