Proximal humerus fractures are among the main fractures attributable to osteoporosis. Many studieshave been performed to gain insight into the risk factors for osteoporotic fractures, but most have focused on hip fractures.However, little is known about osteoporotic factors. The aim of this study is to investigate on the risk factorsfor osteoporotic fracture of the upper extremity of the humerus, comparing them with the known risk factors for hipfracture. Vitamin D levels have been also assessed as possible risk factor. Material and methods.We performed a prospectivestudy of 45 patients who suffered a proximal humerus fracture, assessing risk factors in 6 groups: personalfactors, bone fragility, risk of falling, concomitant pathology, mechanism of injury, and analytical parameters. Resultsand conclusions. The standard patient according to our results is a woman, between 70 and 80 years, not necessarilyobese, with a high degree of independence, which rarely falls, and without any major mental or physical disability.Comparisons were made with the levels of vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus. There were no differences in levelsof vitamin D in the control group, but slight differences in patients taking vitamin supplements.

Proximal humerus fractures are among the main fractures attributable to osteoporosis. Many studieshave been performed to gain insight into the risk factors for osteoporotic fractures, but most have focused on hip fractures.However, little is known about osteoporotic factors. The aim of this study is to investigate on the risk factorsfor osteoporotic fracture of the upper extremity of the humerus, comparing them with the known risk factors for hipfracture. Vitamin D levels have been also assessed as possible risk factor. Material and methods.We performed a prospectivestudy of 45 patients who suffered a proximal humerus fracture, assessing risk factors in 6 groups: personalfactors, bone fragility, risk of falling, concomitant pathology, mechanism of injury, and analytical parameters. Resultsand conclusions. The standard patient according to our results is a woman, between 70 and 80 years, not necessarilyobese, with a high degree of independence, which rarely falls, and without any major mental or physical disability.Comparisons were made with the levels of vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus. There were no differences in levelsof vitamin D in the control group, but slight differences in patients taking vitamin supplements.