To describe the characteristics of patients hospitalized for osteoporotic proximal humerus fracture in 2009 in France, in-patient mortality, and further hospitalizations for hip fracture.

Data were extracted from the French Hospital National Database. We selected patients aged 40years and over hospitalized for proximal humerus fracture in 2009, without cancer. Based on their unique identification number, we described the next hospitalizations occurring in 2009–2011 whatever the causes. Incidence, in-patient mortality, and hospital costs were calculated.

We numbered 10,874 patients (77% of women, mean age 72.5years). The incidence per million was 477 and 163 in women and men, respectively. This incidence increased with age and was higher in women (i.e. 1374 and 320 in women and men aged over 74years, respectively). Surgical treatment was applied in 56% of patients; median hospital stay was 5days. Rehabilitation unit was necessary in 26% of cases. In-patient mortality was 1.1%. The overall hospital costs was €34millions. Rehospitalizations occurred for 61% of the patients and had more co-morbidities than others. Near 8% of the rehospitalized patients were for hip fractures occurring in a median of 353days after hospitalization for proximal humerus fracture. The hospital costs for these rehospitalizations was €52 millions.

Proximal humerus fractures incidence increases with aging, especially in women. These fractures are associated with a significant in-patient mortality and health care resources utilization. Patients with such fracture must receive high priority for optimal post fracture treatment.