Fractures of the Proximal Humerus

In general, fractures of the proximal humerus occur infrequently due to the large cross-sectional area of the bone previously described, and its proximity to the body. When
fractures do occur, they are more commonly found in the skeletally immature animal as a physeal fracture. In mature animals, proximal fractures rarely occur as isolated simple transverse or oblique fractures but may present associated with traumatic comminuted diaphyseal fractures or as a result of gunshot injuries. Multifragment fractures are frequently associated with thoracic trauma.