Humerus fracture
Also called: broken upper arm, proximal humerus fracture
What it means
A humerus fracture is a break anywhere along the upper arm bone, most often near the shoulder (proximal humerus) in older adults who fall.
In people with weaker bones, even a minor fall can break the upper arm, so it's often a signal to check overall bone health and fall risk.
A humerus fracture is a break in the long bone of the upper arm. When it happens near the shoulder, it's called a proximal humerus fracture - this is the most common type in older adults, usually from a fall onto an outstretched arm or a direct hit to the shoulder.
Bone strength matters a lot here. Osteoporosis or low bone density makes the upper arm bone more likely to break from a fall that wouldn't normally cause a fracture - doctors call this a fragility fracture. Age-related muscle and balance changes also raise fall risk, which is often the real trigger.
Treatment depends on how displaced the break is and the person's overall health. Many stable fractures heal in a sling without surgery; more complex breaks may need plates, pins, or in some cases a partial shoulder replacement. Recovery involves physical therapy to restore motion and strength, and your doctor or surgeon will guide the specific plan and timeline for your situation.
Because a humerus fracture from a minor fall can be a sign of underlying bone fragility, it's often worth discussing bone density testing and fall prevention with your doctor, especially if this is a repeat or low-impact fracture.
Even a minor fall can break the upper arm when bones are weaker, often signaling it's time to check overall bone health.
Where this leads
WordA humerus fracture often means checking bone health and fall risk. Curious what rehab after a fracture actually involves for regaining strength?
Related words
The proximal humerus is the top part of your upper arm bone, right where it forms the ball of your shoulder joint.
A fragility fracture is a broken bone caused by a fall or bump that normally wouldn't break a healthy bone, often at…
Fall risk is how likely you are to fall, and it matters because falling—not just weak bones—is the most common cause…
A DEXA scan is a low-radiation X-ray test that measures how much mineral is in your hip and spine bones, giving you…
Rehabilitation after fracture is the structured process of healing and retraining the body after a broken bone,…
ORIF stands for "open reduction internal fixation." It's a surgery where a surgeon repositions broken bone pieces…
Education only, not medical advice. Decisions about tests, medications and treatment belong with your own doctor. OsteoStrong does not diagnose, treat or cure any disease.
