The Structure of the Upper End of the Humerus with Reference to Osteoporotic Changes in Senescence Leading to Fractures.

Fractures of the upper humerus occur most commonly in elderly women. Humeri from cadavers of 20 aged individuals were sectioned in one of three planes and examined radiographically. The greater tuberosity was found to be cavitated and the shaft is devoid of cancellous tissue in older bones, but the scar of the epiphyseal plate persists. Cortical bone is very thin at the lower part of the greater tuberosity and humeral head where fracture most commonly occurs. Two major groups of vertical trabeculae are found. The head has its own trabecular system.