ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Humeral Head Fracture

What is humeral head fracture?

26 January 2026

It refers to the partial or total rupture of the upper part of the humerus (the arm bone joined by the shoulder and elbow joints), due to an accident, fall, loss of bone mass, or osteoporosis.

The humeral head fracture is one of the most common, particularly in women aged 50 and over due to the presence of osteoporosis, and it often occurs from falling onto the shoulder or an extended arm.

As with any injury, a series of activities can increase the risk of a humeral fracture, especially falls and extreme or high-impact sports, such as:

  • Motorsports.
  • Cycling.
  • Motorcycling.
  • Water skiing.
  • Soccer (Football).
  • American football.
  • Hockey.
  • Skating.
  • Rugby.
  • Snowboarding.

Signs and symptoms Humeral Head Fracture

Symptoms include:

  • Sudden, intense pain at the moment of the injury.
  • Arm held close to the body.
  • Continuous pain that increases with changes in posture or attempts to move.
  • Swelling (inflammation).
  • Weakened arm.
  • Bruising (hematomas) on the arm and chest.
  • Inability to move or lift the injured arm.
  • Injuries to the nerves surrounding the shoulder.

If you have these symptoms, it’s important to see a specialist immediately, as failure to receive timely care could result in the bone healing incorrectly, leading to complications that could jeopardize its function.

Diagnosis and treatment Humeral Head Fracture

The specialist, after a physical exam and analysis of your clinical history, will request the following imaging studies—such as ultrasound, X-rays, MRI, or CT scan—to define the type of fracture you have, the number of bone fragments, and their displacement, as this last point is crucial for defining the appropriate treatment.

You will need analgesics (painkillers), anti-inflammatories, and the placement of a sling to immobilize the joint in the correct position.

If there has been fragment displacement, you may require surgery to insert pins, screws, plates, rods, or other devices to reposition and fix the bone. Subsequently, it’s necessary to maintain the indicated rest and wait long enough for the bone to heal, which can range from a few weeks to months, depending on the severity of the case.

After the cast is removed, you must follow a program of physical therapy and rehabilitation with the goal of reducing stiffness and restoring strength and movement to the shoulder and arm.

Remember that to prevent a fracture, it’s important to develop strong bones through a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, engage in regular physical activity, and use appropriate shoes and protection for high-risk sports.

At the Orthopedics and Traumatology Center, we seek to improve the lives of patients restricted or immobilized by musculoskeletal disorders or injuries. We specialize in the care of the musculoskeletal system by integrating the latest medical, biological, and technological advances, in strict adherence to the highest international standards of patient care.

Related centers and departments Humeral Head Fracture

Orthopedics and Traumatology Center
High Specialty Surgery Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Sources:

  • assh.org
  • uhcm.org
  • mayoclinic.org.
  • stanfordchildrens.org
  • medilineplus.gov
  • topdoctors.es
  • msdmanuals.com
  • medigraphic.com
  • Álvarez LA, García LYC. Fractura del extremo proximal del húmero. AMC. 2017;21(2):283-293.
  • Gómez-Mont LJG, Gil-Orbezo F, Morales-Domínguez H, et al. Fracturas de húmero proximal: valoración clínica y
  • resultado funcional en pacientes con osteonecrosis de la cabeza humeral. Acta Ortop Mex. 2015 Mar-Abr;29(2):88-
  • 96.
  • Domínguez GLG, Domínguez CLG. Fractura-luxación de húmero proximal en cuatro partes con dehiscencia de
  • cabeza humeral. Rev Mex Med Fis Rehab. 2012;24(3):75-79.
  • Tafoya AGA, Peidro GL, Sastre SS, et al. Fracturas intraoperatorias de la cabeza humeral durante la colocación de
  • hemiartroplastia de recubrimiento. Ortho-tips. 2012;8(4):237-241.

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