A break at the top of the arm bone, near the shoulder
A shoulder specialist and a physical therapist explain a proximal humerus fracture
The top of your upper arm bone is the ball of your shoulder joint. A break close to this spot is called a proximal humerus fracture. Bruises may spread down the arm. Pain and stiffness can make it hard to get dressed or sleep. Many of these fractures heal with a sling and guided movement. Some need surgery if the pieces have shifted far out of place or the joint itself is involved. [1, 2]
Understand what has to heal
Find out how many pieces the bone broke into. Ask if the joint surface, tendons or nerves were hurt too. Learn whether a later X ray will check the bone’s position again. If surgery is on the table, ask what it should help you do and what rehab would look like. Talk through your usual tasks at work and at home as part of that choice. [1, 2]
Balance rest with careful movement
Ask when you may remove the sling to wash, dress, sleep and exercise. If your team says it’s OK, keep your elbow, wrist and fingers moving. A therapist can walk you through gentle shoulder motion first, then strengthening. Don’t lift, pull or push before the plan allows. In the first few weeks, ask for help with bathing, dressing and reaching things around the house. [1, 2]
Arm problems to report
Call your team if pain jumps sharply or the sling starts causing pressure sores. Reach out too if you can’t do the movements you were expected to manage by your checkup. Get urgent care for a cold or pale hand. The same goes for new, marked weakness or numbness, or a wound with spreading redness and a fever. [1, 2]
Things to ask at your next appointment
- Is the bone staying lined up?
- Which shoulder exercises can I begin this week?
- When can I drive, lift and go back to work?
Get your starter exercises in plain words
Sources and further reading
- 1Cambridge University Hospitals proximal humeral fractures
- 2American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons shoulder trauma
For general education, from the viewpoint of orthopedic shoulder care and physical therapy. Your sling, exercise and lifting timeline depends on how the bone broke, any repair and your other injuries.
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