Pathogenesis (development of disease)
Humeral head fracture/proximal humerus fracture commonly occurs in a fall on the shoulder or extended arm.
The most common proximal humerus fracture (PHF) fracture morphology. Is the classic 2-segment fracture in the area of the collum chirurgicum after low-energy trauma. The collum chirurgicum is the surgically significant “predetermined fracture site” of the humerus (upper arm bone), which lies below the tubercula majus et minus (humeri) in the transition to the humeral shaft (corpus humeri).
Due to the age of patients as a result of demographic change and the consequent increasing incidence of osteoporosis (bone loss), more complex 3- and 4-segment fractures are more common in this setting.
Etiology (Causes)
Disease-related causes.
Musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99).
- Osteoporosis
Injuries, poisonings, and other consequences of external causes (S00-T98).
- Fall on the shoulder or outstretched arm.
Medication
- Medications that promote osteoporosis (see under “Osteoporosis due to medications”).