Fractures of the humerus include those near the shoulder (known as proximal humeral fractures), shaft fractures, and fractures near the elbow (known as distal humeral fractures). Although the humerus is an analog of the femur, the humerus is not often a weight-bearing bone and is also remarkably tolerant of post-fracture deformity. Thus, fractures of the humeral shaft, unlike those of the femoral shaft, are usually amenable to treatment with simple immobilization rather than surgery. One major exception is fracture of the distal humerus. Because immobilization of distal humeral fractures might lead to intolerable elbow stiffness, and because precise anatomic reduction of articular surface might be needed to preserve elbow motion as well, distal humeral fractures are more likely to be treated surgically.
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