CT Imaging Evaluation of Humerus Fractures

Displaced, multi-part intracapsular, proximal humerus fractures represent a major challenge for patients and orthopedic surgeons. Proximal humerus fractures represent the third most common fracture after hip and distal radius fractures, and more than 20% of these fractures meet operative indications. Unfortunately, one of the major complications of these fractures is the development of avascular necrosis (AVN), or death of the bone as a result of the loss of blood supply to it. Currently, the ability to predict AVN is limited. The purpose of this study is to determine if computed tomography imaging can identify a quantifiable predictor of AVN following this type of humeral fracture.