Proximal humerus fractures

Proximal humerus fractures have been reported to account for about 5% of all fractures. These injuries usually occur in older patients who have osteoporotic, fragile bone. The fracture usually occurs from a ground-level fall. A much higher level of trauma would typically be required for a younger person to sustain the same type of fracture. Studies from Sweden and Denmark indicate a steady and significant increase of proximal humeral fractures. Longer life span and osteoporosis were credited for this trend. The incidence of these fractures will continue to increase as the population base ages.

When treating a patient with a proximal humerus fracture, the physician must consider many factors. The type of fracture, patient ability to participate in rehabilitation, general health and age of the patient, and time from injury to treatment are important factors that affect treatment results. Additionally, surgical reconstruction of the proximal humerus may be technically difficult.

Proximal humerus fractures are usually classified by the Neer classification system (Figure 1). The majority of fractures (about 85%) are nondisplaced, and nonoperative treatment with a sling and early range-of-motion (ROM) exercises is usually successful. Gentle ROM exercises may begin after 7-10 days if the fracture is stable. When fracture displacement occurs, operative intervention is selected.

Figure 1. In the Neer classification* of proximal humerus fractures, the proximal humerus is made up of four parts: humeral head (articular surface) greater tubercle lesser tubercle diaphysis (shaft) These four parts are separated by epiphyseal lines (bone growth plates) during the early developmental years. When the proximal humerus is broken, the fracture line predictably occurs along one or more of these planes. Displacement of a fracture fragment by 1 cm, or angulation between fracture fragments of 45° or greater, is what defines a fragment as being a "separate" part. Hence, a proximal humerus fractures may be called 2-part, 3-part, or 4-part according to the Neer classification system, depending upon the amount of displacement and angulation seen on x-ray. *Neer CS 2nd: Displaced proximal humeral fractures. I. Classification and evaluation. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1970 Sep; 52(6): 1077-89

Surgery may be recommended if one or more of the fracture fragments is displaced or angulated. Displacement of a fracture fragment by 1 cm, or angulation between fracture fragments of 45° or greater, is what defines a fragment as being a "separate" part (Figure 2A). More recent literature suggests that the greater tuberosity should be reduced if it is displaced 5 mm or more. However, other factors such as bone quality, fracture orientation, and soft tissue injuries, the age and health status of the patient, and the surgeon's level of compfort in treating these injuries all have a tremendous effect on specific treatment indications.

In general, 2- and 3-part fractures are treated with open reduction and internal fixation (a plate with screws is the choice of many surgeons currently). Four-part fractures in the younger, active patient also can be treated successfully with open reduction and internal fixation. However, in the elderly and in the patient with osteoporosis, a hemiarthroplasty is the treatment of choice (Figure 3).

Stiffness is the leading complication following non-operative or surgical treatment of a proximal humerus fracture. Physical therapy may be initiated after a few weeks to preserve range of motion. However, strengthening and aggressive range of motion exercises must not be performed until the bone has healed.