This type of fracture takes place when the humerus is forced in one direction while the joint capsule and the rotator cuff muscles remain intact.

A fracture in this area is most likely to cause damage to the axillary nerve and posterior circumflex humeral artery.

Damage to the axillary nerve affects function of the teres minor and deltoid muscles, resulting in loss of abduction of arm (from 15-90 degrees), weak flexion, extension, and rotation of shoulder as well as loss of sensation of the skin over a small part of the lateral shoulder.

This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 209 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)

This human musculoskeletal system article is a stub.