The proximal humerus comprises four “parts”: the greater tuberosity, the lesser tuberosity, the humeral head and the humeral shaft. Fractures in this area are common, especially among older patients. Among elderly patients with osteoporotic bone, low-energy falls are the most common mechanism of injury; younger individuals sustain fractures of the proximal humerus from high-energy trauma, and may have concomitant injuries. Many proximal humerus fractures are amenable to nonoperative treatment. On the other hand, because displacement can upset the mechanics of the glenohumeral joint (with or without concomitant tearing of the rotator cuff) or disrupt the blood supply to the head, surgery may be needed in that setting. Management of displaced proximal humerus fractures remains controversial. Surgical indications are based on multiple factors including patient age, handedness, functional demands and evidence of pre-existing glenohumeral arthritis or rotator cuff pathology.
Full Article - https://www.orthopaedia.com/proximal-humerus-fractures/
