Humerus fracture

A humerus fracture is a bone fracture of the arm. Fractures of the humerus may be classified by the location and divided into fractures of the upper end, the shaft, or the lower end.

Certain lesions are commonly associated with fractures to specific areas of the humerus. Proximal humerus fractures may occur at the surgical neck of the humerus and anatomical neck of humerus greater and lesser tubercles. This forms the basis for the Neer classification of fractures. Depending on the extent of the injury these fractures may be managed conservatively with a sling or require an open operation to internally fix the fragments. The axillary nerve can be damaged in fractures of this type leading to a neuropraxia however this may self-resolve. Avascular necrosis may also represent a complication of the fracture or open surgery associated with both deltopectoral (40%) or transdeltoid (10%) approaches during surgery.

Mid-shaft fractures may damage the radial nerve, which traverses the lateral aspect of the humerus closely associated with the radial groove. The median nerve is vulnerable to damage in the supracondylar area, and the ulnar nerve is vulnerable near the medial epicondyle, around which it curves to enter the forearm.