UMEM Educational Pearls

Title: Humerus Fractures

Category: Orthopedics

Keywords: Humerus Fractures (PubMed Search)

Posted: 7/21/2012 by Michael Bond, MD (Updated: 8/28/2014)
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Humerus Fractures, Proximal

  • Proximal fractures of the humerus only account for about 5% of all fractures but account for 45% of all humeral fractures.
  • We should be familar with the Neer Classication System for Humeral fractures, which can also be seen at http://health-7.com/Handbook%20of%20Fractures/15%20-%20Proximal%20Humerus%20Fractures
     
  • The classification system classifies fractures based on
    • 1-part
    • 2-part
    • 3-part
    • 4-part
  • The bony segments that make up the parts are
    • Greater Tuberosity (GT)
    • Lesser Tuberosity (LT)
    • Humeral Head
    • Humeral Surgical Neck (SN)
  • A part is defined as displaced if >1 cm of fracture displacement or >45 degrees of angulation.
  • The greater the number of parts the more likely the patient will require surgery or have increased complications.
    • 3 and 4 part fractures are often fixed surgical due to the increased risk of vascualr compromise to the humeral head.