Key points
- The surgical neck is the commonest site of humerus fracture
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.
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Humerus fracture - Head and neck
- Transverse fractures of the surgical neck (red line)
- Fracture line (yellow) causing separation of the greater tubercle
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Humerus fracture - Shaft
- Poorly defined lytic lesion of the humerus shaft
- Fracture with varus angulation (not clearly visible on the lateral image)
Clinical information
- Trivial trauma to upper arm
- Known history of multiple myeloma
Diagnosis
- Pathological fracture of humeral shaft