Review Article

Evaluation and Management of Proximal Humerus Fractures

Figure 1

This drawing demonstrates the deforming forces on the proximal humerus in the setting of fracture. The supraspinatus (A) exerts a force posteromedially. The infraspinatus and teres minor (B) pull posteromedially and externally rotate. The subscapularis (C) exerts an anteromedially directed force on the lesser tuberosity. The pectoralis major (D) internally rotates and adducts, while the deltoid (E) pulls superiorly on the metadiaphysis of the humerus. (Reprinted with permission from Gruson et al. [4]).
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