The cartilage that covers the joint surfaces protects the bones from direct friction and facilitates smooth movement during daily activities. The onset of certain pathologies, mainly degenerative but also traumatic, can lead to damage to the cartilage and a reduction in its thickness; the bone surfaces then come into direct contact, causing pain that can reach a disabling threshold.

A fracture of the humeral head is one of the most common causes of shoulder surgery. In elderly patients, it is often caused by a simple fall, while in younger patients, it is most commonly the result of severe trauma, road accidents, or sports injuries.

The symptoms are intense pain and immediate loss of movement.

Depending on the type of fracture, conservative treatments (brace, immobilization, and rest) or surgical intervention (arthroplasty) may be required in more complex cases.