Causes

Proximal humerus fractures occur through a range of mechanisms such as a direct blow to the shoulder, a fall to the side, a fall on the outstretched arm and an impact during motor vehicle accidents. Such fractures are often observed in the elderly after a fall from standing, or while walking on flat pavement or stairs and it is the third most common type of fracture in this age group. Pathologic fractures of the humerus may ensue with minimal trauma when patients suffer from conditions that weaken the bone. In young individuals a proximal humerus fracture is the result of high-energy trauma caused by motor vehicle accidents and sport injuries. While proximal humerus fractures are predominant in older females, in the young populations they are more frequent in males.