Neurovascular injury – Axillary nerve most common.
Mitigation: Pre- and post-reduction nerve check.
Vascular injury – Rare but possible in displaced fractures.
Mitigation: Careful assessment, urgent repair if present.
Infection (surgical or open fracture).
Mitigation: Antibiotic prophylaxis, aseptic technique.
Avascular necrosis (AVN) – Especially in four-part or anatomic neck fractures.
Mitigation: Gentle surgical handling, stable fixation.
Malunion/Nonunion – Poor immobilization or comminution.
Mitigation: Adequate fixation, early physiotherapy.
Shoulder stiffness – From immobilization or poor rehabilitation.
Mitigation: Early controlled physiotherapy.
Myositis ossificans – Rare; from aggressive therapy.
Mitigation: Gentle mobilization only after pain subsides.