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From the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Proximal Humerus Fractures in Children

by Elizabeth Weber, MD; David P. Hardeski, MD

Fractures of the proximal humerus in childhood are relatively uncommon injuries, accounting for less than 5% of all pediatric fractures. Most are Salter-Harris type I or II injuries. The combination of extensive mobility at the glenohumeral joint and the significant contribution of the proximal physis to overall humeral growth allow these injuries to be treated nonsurgically in most cases. The goal of treatment is to provide stabilization to the fracture and to comfort to the child while healing occurs. There are some limited indications for surgical intervention in the proximal humerus, which are discussed.

Keywords: proximal humeral physeal injury, proximal humeral epiphyseal fracture, growth plate injury, epiphyseal injury, pediatric proximal humerus fracture, pediatric shoulder fracture, pediatric shoulder trauma

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