| Classification | Description | Notes |
| 1 part | Surgical neck, anatomic neck, lesser tuberosity or greater tuberosity | Any fracture pattern with less than 1 cm displacement |
| 2 part | Surgical neck, anatomic neck, lesser tuberosity or greater tuberosity | Fragments must be displaced by 1 cm |
| 3 part | Surgical neck and greater tuberosity or surgical neck and lesser tuberosity | Fragments must be displaced by 1 cm |
| 4 part | Surgical neck, lesser and greater tuberosities | Fragments must be displaced by 1 cm |
Reference:
Kilcoyne, R. F., et al. (1990). “The Neer classification of displaced proximal humeral fractures: spectrum of findings on plain radiographs and CT scans.” AJR Am J Roentgenol 154(5): 1029-1033.