injuries poisoning
Proximal Humeral Fractures
Introduction
Proximal humeral fractures are proximal to the surgical neck (see figure Key anatomic landmarks in the proximal humerus ). Most are minimally displaced and angulated. Diagnosis is by plain x-ray or sometimes CT. Most of these fractures can be treated with a sling, a swathe, and early mobilization. (See also Overview of Fractures .) Proximal humeral fractures are especially common among older patients. A few patients have axillary nerve damage (reducing sensation over the middle deltoid) or axillary artery damage. Contractures may develop after only a few days of immobilization, particularly in older patients. The surgical neck of the humerus is fractured. 