Proximal humerus fracture
A proximal humerus fracture can cause sudden shoulder pain and make it difficult to lift or use your arm after a fall. Although the injury can be painful, early specialist assessment helps ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment. Whether your symptoms have developed gradually or followed an injury, our specialists at Fortius Clinic are here to help you. We'll identify the cause of your symptoms, explain your treatment options clearly and support you throughout your recovery.
What is a proximal humerus fracture?
A proximal humerus fracture is a break in the upper part of the humerus (upper arm bone), close to the shoulder joint. This area forms the "ball" of the ball-and-socket shoulder joint, making it essential for comfortable shoulder movement and arm function. These fractures most commonly happen after a fall onto an outstretched arm or directly onto the shoulder. They are particularly common in older adults, especially those with osteoporosis, although they can also occur in younger people following high-impact injuries such as sporting accidents, cycling incidents or road traffic collisions. Although many proximal humerus fractures heal well without surgery, some fractures are more complex and may affect the alignment of the shoulder joint. Prompt assessment by a specialist helps determine the most appropriate treatment and supports the best possible recovery.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the fracture, but commonly include:
- Sudden shoulder or upper arm pain
- Swelling and bruising around the shoulder or upper arm
- Difficulty or inability to lift or move the arm
- Tenderness when touching the shoulder
- Weakness in the arm
- A visible change in the shape of the shoulder in more severe injuries
If you have severe pain after a fall or injury and are unable to move your arm, it's important to seek medical assessment promptly.
How is it diagnosed?
Your consultant will begin by discussing how your injury happened, your symptoms and how they are affecting your daily life. They'll carefully examine your shoulder, checking your movement, comfort and the surrounding nerves and blood vessels.
To confirm the diagnosis and understand the extent of the injury, we may recommend:
- A detailed medical history
- Physical examination
- Assessment of shoulder movement
- X-rays to confirm the fracture
- CT scans if more detailed images of the fracture are needed
- MRI scans if there is concern about associated injuries to the muscles, tendons or ligaments
How is it treated?
Your treatment will depend on the type of fracture, whether the bones have moved out of position and your individual goals. Your consultant will explain your options clearly and work with you to recommend the approach that's right for you.
Treatment may include:
- A sling to support and protect the shoulder while it heals
- Pain relief to help keep you comfortable
- Physiotherapy to gradually restore movement, strength and function
- Exercises introduced at the appropriate stage of healing
- Surgery where the fracture is significantly displaced, unstable or involves the joint surface
Treatment routes for proximal humerus fracture
Most proximal humerus fractures can be treated successfully without surgery.
If the bones remain in a good position, your shoulder will usually be supported in a sling for a short period before you begin a personalised rehabilitation programme. As healing progresses, physiotherapy helps restore movement, rebuild strength and improve confidence using your arm.
Recovery goals for posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury
The initial focus is on:
Reducing pain and swelling Protecting the healing ligament Restoring gentle knee movement Beginning early muscle activation exercises
As your recovery progresses, rehabilitation focuses on:
Improving knee movement Rebuilding strength and stability Restoring balance and control Returning to normal daily activities
The final stage of rehabilitation aims to:
Build strength for work, exercise or sport Improve agility, coordination and confidence Support a safe return to higher levels of activity where appropriate Reduce the risk of further knee injuries
Working with professionals and teams
Our shoulder specialists support professional athletes, sports teams, active individuals and people whose work places high demands on their shoulders. Working closely with radiologists, physiotherapists and the wider multidisciplinary team, they provide coordinated care from diagnosis through to rehabilitation, helping each person return safely to sport, work or everyday activities.
The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or recovery goals.
Our Experts - Leaders in Shoulder Treatment
Proximal humerus fracture FAQs
Most fractures take around 6 to 12 weeks to heal, although recovery can take longer depending on the severity of the fracture and whether surgery is needed. Regaining full strength and movement may continue for several months.
Not always. Most proximal humerus fractures heal successfully without surgery. Surgery is generally only recommended when the bones have moved significantly out of place, the fracture is unstable or the shoulder joint is affected.
Yes. Physiotherapy plays an important role in recovery by helping you gradually restore shoulder movement, strength and function. Your rehabilitation programme will be tailored to your stage of healing and individual goals.
You should only return to driving when you can safely control the vehicle without pain or restriction. If you're wearing a sling or cannot comfortably perform an emergency stop, you should not drive. Your consultant will advise you when it's safe to return to driving.
This depends on your occupation, the severity of your fracture and your recovery. Desk-based work may be possible sooner than physically demanding jobs. Returning to sport usually happens once your shoulder has regained enough strength, movement and stability. Your consultant and physiotherapist will guide you through each stage of your recovery.
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic Marylebone Wing
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore StreetW1U 2SB
- +442031952442
- Open 24 hours
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT guided injection
- MRI Scan
- CT Scan
Fortius Clinic Wimbledon
Our Wimbledon clinic houses a state-of-the-art imaging centre with a 3T MRI and X-ray scanners, Ultrasound, seven consulting rooms, two spacious waiting areas and well equipped treatment rooms all located on one level, ensuring easy accessibility for all patients.
Our partnership with Spire St Anthony’s Hospital allows us to provide orthopaedic surgery closer to our clinic. We treat a full range of conditions and perform joint replacement surgery using the latest Mako robotic assisted technology.
Take a tour of our clinic virtually through Google 360 views here.
We are open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm, and Saturday mornings from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground station is Wimbledon (District Line), which also has rail and tramlink services from central London and beyond.
There is no parking available at the clinic, but we have a number of parking facilities all within a 10-12 minute walk of the clinic: Centre Court Car Park, Broadway Car Park, and Hartfield Road Car Park. Please note that all of these facilities are paid car parks.
The building at 22 Worple Road has steps leading up to the front entrance. If you require assistance please inform us before your arrival by calling ahead on 020 3195 2442
- 22 Worple RoadSW19 4DD
- 0203 195 2442
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- MRI Scan
Fortius Clinic Marylebone
Our Marylebone Clinic is conveniently located in the historic area between Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, just off Manchester Square, home to the iconic Wallace Collection. We have seven consulting rooms, private waiting areas on each floor, well equipped treatment rooms and diagnostic imaging.
- 17 Fitzhardinge StreetW1U 2EU
- 020 3195 2442
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
Fortius Clinic City
Our City Clinic is conveniently located between Bank and Monument stations, within the historic and financial heart of London. At our modern, two-floor facility we have nine consulting rooms, spacious waiting areas, well equipped treatment rooms and an imaging centre.
Explore our City Clinic with our virtual tour.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground stations are Bank and Monument, exit 6 for King William Street.
Should you be travelling by car, the closest parking is a three minute drive away at NCP Car Park London Vintry Thames Exchange. If you are attending clinic on a weekday, please be aware that we are based in the congestion charge zone.
- 75 King William StreetEC4N 7BE
- 0203 195 2442
- Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- MRI Scan
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