Neer classification of proximal humerus fractures

Trauma and orthopaedics

Also known as: Neer-Klassifikation (proximale Humerusfraktur) · Neer sınıflaması (proksimal humerus kırığı) · Neer classification (proximal humerus fractures)

What it is for

Counts the displaced main segments of the proximal humerus: humeral head (articular segment), greater tuberosity, lesser tuberosity and shaft. Only displaced segments count, not the number of fracture lines.

Classification

CategoryDescription
Displacement criteriona segment counts as a separate part when it is displaced more than 1 cm or angulated more than 45°.
One-partno segment meets the displacement criterion, however many fracture lines are present.
Two-partone segment displaced (surgical neck, anatomical neck, greater or lesser tuberosity).
Three-partsurgical neck and one tuberosity displaced; the other tuberosity stays attached to the head.
Four-parthead, both tuberosities and shaft all displaced; a valgus-impacted four-part variant is described separately.
Separate categoriesfracture-dislocations (anterior or posterior) and articular surface fractures (head-splitting and impression fractures).

Source

Displaced proximal humeral fractures. I. Classification and evaluation

J Bone Joint Surg Am 1970;52:1077–1089 (Neer CS 2nd)

PMID: 5455339

Edition
Neer 1970 four-segment classification (valgus-impacted four-part variant added 2002)
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