# Proximal humerus fractures in the elderly work up, classifications and fracture biomechanics

**Authors:** Dario Kalacun, Radko Komadina, Drago Brilej

PMC · DOI: 10.1007/s00068-025-02945-0 · European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery · 2025-10-16

## TL;DR

This paper reviews how fractures in the upper arm bone of elderly patients are diagnosed, classified, and influenced by factors like osteoporosis.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive overview of proximal humerus fractures in the elderly, focusing on biomechanics and diagnostic approaches.

## Key findings

- Osteoporosis and bone density significantly influence fracture incidence and patterns in the proximal humerus.
- Most fractures occur due to falls from standing height in elderly patients.
- Diagnostic evaluation includes clinical examination, imaging, and classification systems for effective management.

## Abstract

This article discusses fractures of the upper third of the humerus in elderly patients within the context of diagnostic evaluation, fracture classification, biomechanics, and fracture occurrence, including osteoporosis. The shoulder joint is composed of the proximal humerus and the glenoid of the scapula. Very important factors for fracture incidence and patterns are osteoporosis and distribution of bone tissue and bone density in the proximal humerus. Most fractures are caused by fall from standing hight. Parts of diagnostic work-up and management plans are clinical examination, different imaging modalities and classification sistems.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** osteoporosis (MONDO:0005298)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** osteoporosis (MESH:D010024), fractures of the upper third (MESH:D015840), fracture (MESH:D050723), Proximal humerus fractures (MESH:D006810)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

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## References

1 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12532694/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12532694