Trauma X-ray - Upper limb
Humerus

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.

Humerus fracture - Head and neck

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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

Humerus fracture - Shaft

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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

Page author: Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust UK (Read bio)

Last reviewed: July 2019