Proximal humerus fractures by the number of displaced segments (displaced = > 1 cm or angulated > 45°)
Displaced segments (head, greater tuberosity, lesser tuberosity, shaft)
Tap the one that applies — its meaning opens right below.
One-part — no segment displaced (however many fracture lines)
Two-part — one segment displaced
Three-part — two segments displaced
Four-part — three segments displaced (all four separated)
About this score
When to use
Classifies proximal humerus fractures by the four segments — articular head, greater and lesser tuberosity, shaft — that are displaced. [1, 2]
Pearls and pitfalls
A segment counts as a separate part only when it is displaced more than 1 cm or angulated more than 45°; a fracture line alone does not make a part. [1, 2]
Summarised from the numbered sources under Evidence. Check the source before relying on a statement.
Evidence
[1] Original publication
Neer CS 2nd. Displaced proximal humeral fractures. I. Classification and evaluation. Four segments (articular head, greater and lesser tuberosity, shaft); a segment counts as a part when displaced more than 1 cm or angulated more than 45°.
Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery American, 1970
[2] Validation
Carofino BC, Leopold SS. Classifications in brief: the Neer classification for proximal humerus fractures. Summary of the four segments and the 1 cm / 45° displacement thresholds.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 2013
Last reviewed: 2026-10
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