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Authors

Martin Jaeger, Frankie Leung, Wilson Li

Executive Editors

Peter Trafton

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Isolated anatomical neck, slight displacement

A truly isolated fracture of the anatomic neck without involvement of either tuberosity is very rare and somewhat theoretical. 

These fractures are fractures of the anatomic neck with a slight displacement. Although these fractures do not pass through the articular surface, they are termed “articular fractures”; the articular surface is detached from both tuberosities. Quite often, the blood supply of the humeral head is impaired and the risk of subsequent avascular necrosis (AVN) is high.

Isolated anatomical neck fracture with slight displacement

X-ray taken from Orozco R et al, (1998) Atlas of Internal Fixation. Used with kind permission.

Isolated anatomical neck fracture with slight displacement
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