[6] Displaced fractures of the humerus shaft will often cause deformity and a shortening of the length of the upper arm.

[5] Distal fractures may also cause deformity, and they typically limit the ability to flex the elbow.

[8] Proximal humerus fractures most often occur among elderly people with osteoporosis who fall on an outstretched arm.

[9] Less frequently, proximal fractures occur from motor vehicle accidents, gunshots, and violent muscle contractions from an electric shock or seizure.

[10][5] Other risk factors for proximal fractures include having a low bone mineral density, having impaired vision and balance, and tobacco smoking.

[11] A stress fracture of the proximal and shaft regions can occur after an excessive amount of throwing, such as pitching in baseball.

If the elbow is bent during the trauma, then the olecranon is driven upward, producing a T- or Y-shaped fracture or displacing one of the condyles.

For proximal fractures, X-rays can be taken from a scapular anteroposterior (AP) view, which takes an image of the front of the shoulder region from an angle, a scapular Y view, which takes an image of the back of the shoulder region from an angle, and an axillar lateral view, which has the patient lie on his or her back, lift the bottom half of the arm up to the side, and have an image taken of the axilla region underneath the shoulder.

[9] Fractures of the humerus shaft are usually correctly identified with radiographic images taken from the AP and lateral viewpoints.

[5] Images of the distal region are often of poor quality due to the patient being unable to extend the elbow because of pain.

[4] One-part and two-part proximal fractures can be treated with a collar and cuff sling, adequate pain medicine, and follow up therapy.

[17] In shaft and distal cases in which complications such as damage to the neurovascular bundle exist, then surgical repair is required.

[19][20] Severe fractures are usually resolved with surgical intervention, followed by a period of healing using a cast or sling.

[12] Distal fractures are rare among adults, occurring primarily in children who experience physical trauma to the elbow region.