What is the most common cause of a humeral fracture?

The most common cause of a humeral fracture is a fall onto an outstretched hand. This mechanism of injury often occurs in various age groups, but is particularly prevalent in older adults or individuals with weakened bone density, such as those with osteoporosis. When someone falls and extends their arm to break the fall, the force transmitted through the arm can lead to a fracture in the humerus, especially in the proximal (near the shoulder) or distal (near the elbow) regions.

This type of injury is notably common because it can happen in everyday situations, creating a higher incidence compared to other causes. While direct trauma, sports-related injuries, and vehicle accidents can certainly lead to humeral fractures, they occur less frequently in the general population than fractures sustained from falls on an outstretched hand. This distinguishes it as the prevalent cause among various mechanisms of injury.