Trauma X-ray - Upper limb
Humerus
Fractures of the humerus are common at the surgical neck. A fracture line may extend into the humerus head with separation of the tubercles.
Fractures of the humerus shaft are not uncommonly due to a pathological lesion.
Distal fractures are considered with the elbow.
Key points
- The surgical neck is the commonest site of humerus fracture
Hover over image to show findings
Humerus fracture - Head and neck
- Transverse fractures of the surgical neck (red line)
- Fracture line (orange) causing separation of the greater tubercle
Click image to align with the top of the page
Hover over image to show findings
Humerus fracture - Shaft
- Poorly defined lytic lesion of the humerus shaft
- Fracture with varus angulation (not visible on the lateral image)
Clinical information
- Trivial trauma to upper arm
- Known history of multiple myeloma
Diagnosis
- Pathological fracture of humeral shaft