Proximal humerus
Also called: shoulder fracture site
What it means
The proximal humerus is the top part of your upper arm bone, right where it forms the ball of your shoulder joint.
This spot is a common place for fragility fractures from falls, especially when bones have become weaker with age.
The proximal humerus is the upper end of the arm bone where it meets the shoulder joint, forming a ball that fits into the shoulder socket. It's made of both an outer shell of dense cortical bone and a spongier, trabecular interior, which makes it a common site for fragility fractures, especially after a fall onto an outstretched arm or directly onto the shoulder.
Along with the hip and spine, the proximal humerus is one of the classic locations doctors watch for fragility fractures in people with low bone density. A break here often happens from a fall from standing height, and its presence can signal weaker bone overall, prompting a doctor to check bone density and fracture risk elsewhere in the body.
Treatment depends on how the bone is broken and the person's age and activity level. Some fractures heal in a sling with physical therapy, while more complex breaks may need surgery such as internal fixation or, in some cases, shoulder replacement. Your orthopedic surgeon and doctor will guide the best path based on your specific fracture and health history.
The top of your upper arm bone is a common fracture spot when aging bones weaken from falls.
Where this leads
WordCurious what actually happens when this spot breaks? Humerus fracture explains how even a minor fall can break it and why that signals it's worth checking bone health.
Related words
The humerus is the long bone of the upper arm, stretching from the shoulder to the elbow.
A fragility fracture is a broken bone caused by a fall or bump that normally wouldn't break a healthy bone, often at…
A humerus fracture is a break anywhere along the upper arm bone, most often near the shoulder (proximal humerus) in…
Fall risk is how likely you are to fall, and it matters because falling—not just weak bones—is the most common cause…
Bone mineral density (BMD) measures how much mineral is packed into your bones, usually estimated with a DEXA scan,…
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.
