Humeral shaft fracture on X‑ray: 11 real cases

Real, openly licensed radiographs showing humeral shaft fracture. Study what to look for, then open each case and read it yourself before revealing the answer.

What to look for

  • A fracture line through the diaphysis of the humerus, often transverse or spiral.
  • Describe displacement, angulation and shortening.
  • Clinically, check radial nerve function (wrist drop).

Learn: Shoulder and clavicle fractures

Quiz yourself on upper limb images

Cases

Radiograph from the case bank: Humeral shaft fractureCase #9587979Upper limb · BeginnerRadiograph from the case bank: Humeral shaft fractureCase #73863636Upper limb · BeginnerRadiograph from the case bank: Humeral shaft fractureCase #147693129Upper limb · BeginnerRadiograph from the case bank: Humeral shaft fractureCase #96221579Upper limb · BeginnerRadiograph from the case bank: Humeral shaft fractureCase #17366005Upper limb · BeginnerRadiograph from the case bank: Humeral shaft fractureCase #17609705Upper limb · BeginnerRadiograph from the case bank: Humeral shaft fractureCase #17721673Upper limb · BeginnerRadiograph from the case bank: Humeral shaft fractureCase #17721674Upper limb · BeginnerRadiograph from the case bank: Humeral shaft fractureCase #49147235Upper limb · BeginnerRadiograph from the case bank: Humeral shaft fractureCase #35028042Upper limb · BeginnerRadiograph from the case bank: Humeral shaft fractureCase #28551660Upper limb · Beginner

Other upper limb diagnoses

Diagnoses come from each image's documented source. Credits and licences are shown on each case and on the image credits page.