Education · shoulder

Proximal Humerus Fracture Info Evidence

Reviewed by Dr Kieran Hirpara, Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon Last reviewed

What you're feeling

You will likely feel sharp pain in the top of your upper arm, near the shoulder joint. This pain often spreads down your arm or up into your neck. The injury is a break in the upper part of your arm bone, which can happen if you fall or if your bones are weakened by age-related thinning.

The pain usually gets worse when you try to move your arm. Simple tasks like lifting a cup, reaching for a shelf, or tucking in your shirt can become difficult or impossible. You may find it hard to reach behind your back to fasten a bra or button a shirt. Even slight movements can trigger a flare-up of discomfort.

Many people notice the pain is strongest at night. Lying on the injured side is often too painful, so you may struggle to find a comfortable sleeping position. Waking up with a stiff, sore shoulder is common. Resting the arm in a sling can help reduce the pain by keeping the broken bone still. However, keeping your arm still for long periods can also make the joint feel stiff and tight.

While the pain is intense, it is important to know that most of these fractures heal well without surgery. Your surgeon will guide you on how to protect the arm while it heals. In the vast majority of cases, non-surgical treatment leads to successful healing and union rates greater than 90%. This means the bone knits back together properly for most patients.

If you are an older adult, your treatment plan will consider your overall health and bone strength. For younger adults under 65, surgery is not always better than rest and support. Your surgeon will look at imaging to see exactly where the break is and decide the best path forward.

For some older patients with more complex breaks, joint replacement might be discussed. This option offers durable results for treating acute fractures in older adults. It is a safe and reasonable choice when the bone damage is severe.

Most children with this type of fracture heal quickly with few complications. If you are caring for a child, the outlook is generally very positive.

Be aware that this injury can impact your daily life significantly. It may cause temporary disability and reduce your sense of well-being. However, with proper care and patience, most people regain the use of their arm. Follow your surgeon’s advice on movement and rest to support your recovery.

What's actually happening

The top of your upper arm bone is a complex control volume for shoulder movement. When you fall, this area can crack into pieces. The most critical parts are the tuberosities, which are bony bumps where your rotator cuff tendons attach. Think of these tendons as strong ropes that lift and rotate your arm. If these bumps move out of place, the ropes lose their anchor. This changes how force travels through your shoulder joint. Even small shifts in position can significantly alter how the joint moves and bears weight.

Your surgeon looks at the stability of these connections. The joint capsule is the sleeve around the shoulder, and the cartilage is the smooth coating on the bone ends. When the bone fragments shift, they can rub against each other or press unevenly on the cartilage. This causes pain and limits your range of motion. In some cases, the blood supply to the bone head is compromised. This can lead to stiffness or weakness if the pieces do not heal in the correct alignment.

We understand that treatment choices depend on your age and the specific pattern of the break. For many one-part fractures, where the bone is cracked but still aligned, non-operative treatment works well. Most older adults with these stable fractures continue to receive non-surgical care with positive outcomes. Nonsurgical management demonstrates successful outcomes and union rates greater than 90%. This means the bone heals properly without surgery in the vast majority of cases.

However, if the bone fragments are displaced or unstable, your surgeon may recommend surgery. The goal is to restore the anatomy so your tendons can pull effectively again. We use locking plates or nails to hold the pieces together while they heal. This provides stable fixation for the proximal humerus. In severe cases where the bone is too damaged to repair, we might consider joint replacement. This option offers compelling evidence of effectiveness and functional durability in treating acute proximal humerus fractures in older adults.

What we can do about it

How we approach your care reflects how Dr Kieran Hirpara, an upper-limb surgeon at Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton, manages these injuries in our clinic. Most one-part proximal humerus fractures heal well without surgery. In the vast majority of cases, non-operative treatment leads to positive outcomes. Union rates for nonsurgical management are greater than 90%. Your journey often starts with self-management and physiotherapy. We may use a sling to support your arm. Short or long periods of immobilization yield similar results, so we tailor the duration to your comfort and fracture pattern. Physiotherapy aims to restore movement and strength as the bone heals. Most older adults with these fractures continue to receive this type of care with good functional outcomes.

Medical management focuses on keeping you comfortable while the bone sets. We use pain medication and anti-inflammatories to control discomfort. If swelling or stiffness persists, we may discuss injections. Cortisone injections reduce inflammation and pain for a limited time. Hyaluronic acid injections lubricate the joint to improve movement. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections use your own blood components to support healing. These options help manage symptoms when conservative care alone is not enough. For degenerative or long-standing problems, we usually try these non-operative steps first. We consider surgery only when they have not given enough improvement.

Surgery is considered when conservative care has reached its limit or when the fracture is complex. For displaced two-part fractures in patients 60 years or older, there is no significant difference in clinical outcomes at 2 years between surgery and non-operative treatment. However, for three- or four-part fractures in older patients, surgery may offer better long-term functional results. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (joint replacement) is a reasonable and safe option for older adults with severe fractures. It provides effective and durable functional results. Percutaneous treatment of selected fractures also results in predictable union with a low rate of complications. The rate of complications following operative treatment is high, so we reserve surgery for specific scenarios. For structural or acute problems, surgery may be recommended straight away. We present these options as a shared decision, based on your age, bone quality, and the fracture pattern.

What to expect

Your outlook depends largely on your age and the severity of the break. For most older adults, these fractures heal well without surgery. Non-surgical management leads to successful healing in more than 90% of cases. You will likely wear a sling for a short period, such as one week, or a longer period, such as three weeks. Both options yield similar results. Most patients regain good function with this approach.

If you are younger than 65, your surgeon may discuss surgery. However, evidence does not show a clear benefit of operation over non-surgical care for adults under this age. For complex breaks in older patients, surgery often provides better long-term function than leaving it alone. Procedures like reverse total shoulder replacement or internal fixation with plates and nails help stabilize the bone. These methods aim to restore movement and reduce pain over time.

Recovery is a gradual process. You may notice that your shoulder feels stiff or weak for several months. With surgery, you might experience some setbacks, as complication and reoperation rates are higher for complex fractures. Despite this, many patients achieve good long-term outcomes. Your surgeon will guide your rehabilitation to ensure you regain strength safely.

It is important to understand the broader health picture. Fragility fractures in older adults carry a higher risk of serious health events. The risk of mortality within one year of injury is 9.8%. This risk rises to 28.2% at five years. This increase is more than double that of the general population. Your surgeon will monitor your overall health closely during recovery to manage these risks.

Most children recover fully with few complications. For adults, patience is key. While some discomfort may persist, the majority of patients return to daily activities. Your surgeon will tailor your care plan to your specific fracture pattern and health status. Regular follow-ups ensure your bone is healing correctly and help address any concerns early.

When to see someone

See your GP if you have persistent pain that does not improve with rest. Ask for a specialist review if you notice weakness or instability in your shoulder. Seek urgent care if your shoulder locks or gives way. Contact your doctor if symptoms interfere with your sleep or work. Sudden worsening of pain is also a reason to seek help. Most one-part fractures heal well without surgery. However, accurate evaluation is key. Your surgeon will use imaging to check for complications. Early assessment helps prevent long-term disability. Do not ignore signs that your recovery is not progressing as expected.


Evidence & references

Overview

  • Non-operative management is associated with good outcomes in the majority of proximal humerus fractures in adults [1].
  • Most older adults who sustain proximal humerus fractures continue to receive nonoperative treatment [4].
  • Most one-part proximal humerus fractures are amenable to non-operative treatment with positive outcomes reported in the vast majority of cases [8].
  • The available literature does not demonstrate a clear clinical benefit of operative treatment over nonoperative management of proximal humeral fractures in adult patients younger than 65 years [15].
  • Both age and gender have an association with the definitive treatment patients received for proximal humerus fractures over the last decade [3].
  • Most pediatric patients with proximal humerus fractures have favorable results, and complications are infrequent [12].
  • Patients with pathologic humerus fractures had significantly higher complication rates compared with native humerus fractures after surgical treatment [29].
  • Guidelines and treatment algorithms for native humerus fractures may not be generalizable for those of pathologic origin [29].
  • The selection of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) over other surgical options is a current, reasonable, and safe option to treat proximal humerus fractures, particularly in those with higher Neer grades and/or in older patients [25].
  • Patients with a proximal humerus fracture undergoing reverse total shoulder arthroplasty have significantly worse perioperative outcomes, including higher rates of complications, longer hospital stays, and higher costs, compared to patients with other indications [67].
  • Prospective clinical trials with longer-term follow-up are required for definitive assessment of the ideal fixation construct for surgical management of two-part proximal humerus fractures [17].
  • Besides age, most randomized controlled trials on surgical management of proximal humerus fractures do not include patient-specific variables within their inclusion and exclusion criteria [16].

Anatomy & Pathophysiology

  • Inferior tuberosity displacement after prosthetic reconstruction of shoulder fractures is associated with diminished functional results [33].
  • Inferior tuberosity positioning after hemiarthroplasty for proximal humerus fractures is associated with diminished function [40].
  • Range of motion and strength thresholds can identify subjects with normal shoulder function [36].
  • Shoulder flexion, extension, and abduction are only moderately correlated with patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) [57].
  • Holistic assessment of outcomes requires both subjective and objective outcomes [57].
  • The changed position of the humeral head on the coronal plane does not affect final functional results in conservatively treated displaced proximal humerus fractures in the elderly [54].
  • Bone quality significantly impacts implant anchorage in osteosynthesis for proximal humerus fractures [58].
  • Positioning the arm in abduction and internal rotation may help mitigate deforming muscular forces in proximal humerus fractures [46].
  • Rotator cuff tears are a detrimental factor and a major cause of painful shoulders in proximal humeral fractures with minimal displacement treated conservatively [63].
  • The double plate strategy can increase the stability of the medial column of the proximal humerus and enhance the overall biomechanical property of the repaired proximal humerus [64].
  • Reverse shoulder arthroplasty could be considered primary treatment for proximal humerus fractures, especially when optimal range of motion is of great importance to the patient [72].
  • Glenoid loosening and severe scapular notching in reverse shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humerus fractures are related to poor positioning and/or incorrect orientation of the glenosphere [74].

Classification

  • Proximal humerus fractures are osteoporotic injuries with increasing incidence due to aging populations [5].
  • Accurate clinical evaluation, imaging, and classification are paramount for informed treatment decisions [5].
  • Evaluation of classification systems for fractures of the proximal humerus with plain radiographs has yielded low interobserver reliability [32].
  • The Mayo-FJD classification system for proximal humerus fractures allows high intraobserver and interobserver agreement using both radiographs and computed tomography [45].
  • The use of artificial intelligence can accurately detect and classify proximal humerus fractures on plain shoulder AP radiographs [28].
  • Morphologic classification of proximal humerus fractures as the sole basis for treatment algorithms and surgical success should be scrutinized [50].
  • Current diagnosis coding practices (ICD-10) do not adequately capture the fracture complexity needed to conduct subgroup analysis for proximal humerus fractures [75].
  • There is clear evidence of specific characteristics which differentiate proximal third humeral shaft fractures from those of midshaft and distal third [69].

Clinical Presentation

  • Proximal humerus fractures are osteoporotic injuries with increasing incidence due to aging populations [5].
  • Proximal humerus fractures are now typically osteoporotic fractures in women over 70, with prevalence increasing due to an aging population in poor general condition [19].
  • There is a substantial mortality in patients with a proximal humerus fracture [6].
  • Mortality at 1 year for fragility proximal humerus fractures is universally high regardless of risk factors [14].
  • Surviving patients frequently have persistent symptoms that can be predicted as early as after 1 year [6].
  • Complications associated with proximal humerus fractures are varied and can be categorized as occurring at the time of initial injury, during operative management, or as delayed sequelae [11].
  • Most pediatric patients with proximal humerus fractures have favorable results, and complications are infrequent [12].
  • Treatment algorithms and outcomes following proximal humerus fractures in patients less than or equal to 60 years of age are distinctly different from that of a more elderly population [13].
  • Both age and gender have an association with the definitive treatment patients received for proximal humerus fractures over the last decade [3].
  • Surgical treatment of proximal humerus fractures remains far from straightforward, with unpredictable outcomes where factors associated with poor results include being a woman, four-part fracture dislocation, and absence of metaphyseal head extension [37].
  • Computed tomography improves the diagnostic accuracy but not the interobserver reliability of the Boileau classification of proximal humerus fracture sequelae [18].
  • Computed tomography scan was more specific than radiographs in the assessment of proximal humerus fracture sequelae [18].

Investigations

  • Proximal humerus fractures are osteoporotic injuries with increasing incidence due to aging populations [5].
  • Accurate clinical evaluation, imaging, and classification are paramount for informed treatment decisions in proximal humerus fractures [5].
  • Computed tomography improves the diagnostic accuracy of the Boileau classification of proximal humerus fracture sequelae [18].
  • Computed tomography does not improve the interobserver reliability of the Boileau classification of proximal humerus fracture sequelae [18].
  • Computed tomography scan is more specific than radiographs in the assessment of proximal humerus fracture sequelae [18].
  • Artificial intelligence can accurately detect and classify proximal humerus fractures on plain shoulder AP radiographs [28].
  • Convolutional neural networks proficiently rule out proximal humerus fractures on plain radiographs [76].
  • The routine use of 3D-printed models may not be beneficial for classifying proximal humeral fracture patterns beyond the information gained from currently available imaging modalities [79].
  • The routine use of 3D-printed models should be avoided as the sole determinant for recommending surgical intervention in proximal humeral fractures [79].
  • In children with shoulder dislocation combined with proximal humerus fracture, bilateral anteroposterior shoulders x-ray is suggested routinely to confirm shoulder location in addition to palpation and anteroposterior and lateral humeral x-ray [83].

Treatment

Non-Operative Management

  • Non-operative management is associated with good outcomes in the majority of proximal humerus fractures in adults [1].
  • In the vast majority of cases, proximal humerus fractures may be treated nonoperatively [2].
  • Over the past decade, most older adults who sustain proximal humerus fractures continue to receive nonoperative treatment [4].
  • Most one-part proximal humerus fractures are amenable to non-operative treatment with positive outcomes reported in the vast majority of cases [8].
  • Non-operative treatment of proximal humerus fractures seldom results in displacement that warrants operative intervention [24].
  • There is little utility to the routine use of postoperative radiographs in follow-up of pediatric proximal humerus fractures [24].
  • Proximal humerus fractures in children have tremendous potential for remodeling, making non-operative management the treatment of choice for most fractures [56].
  • Most proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients can be treated nonoperatively with good functional outcomes [27].
  • A majority of patients with proximal humeral fractures underwent non-operative treatment [41].
  • Nonsurgical management of proximal humerus fractures decreased during the study period [35].
  • Nonsurgical treatment should have a more prominent role in the treatment of proximal humeral fractures [48].
  • Nonsurgical treatment provides better midterm outcomes compared to locking plate fixation for proximal humeral fractures [48].
  • There is no significant difference in clinical outcomes at 2 years between surgery and non-operative treatment in patients 60 years of age or older with displaced 2-part fractures of the proximal humerus [39].
  • The available literature does not demonstrate a clear clinical benefit of operative treatment over nonoperative management of proximal humeral fractures in adult patients younger than 65 years [15].
  • Evidence-based recommendations to guide treatment of proximal humerus fractures are lacking, and no good evidence exists whether surgery is clearly superior to nonoperative treatment [65].

Operative Management

  • Treatment algorithms and outcomes following proximal humerus fractures in patients less than or equal to 60 years of age are distinctly different from that of a more elderly population [13].
  • Consensus when managing proximal humerus fractures is limited to specific scenarios, whereas lack of consensus still exists in others [7].
  • Most RCTs on surgical management of proximal humerus fractures do not include patient-specific variables within their inclusion and exclusion criteria [16].
  • Hemiarthroplasty and reverse prosthesis are indicated for complex proximal humerus fractures in patients no younger than 70 years of age [21].
  • Reverse total shoulder replacement is a promising treatment for geriatrics with three- and four-part proximal humerus fractures aiming for a better long-term functional outcome [22].
  • The selection of RTSA over other surgical options is a current, reasonable, and safe option to treat proximal humerus fractures, particularly in those with higher Neer grades and/or in older patients [25].
  • Percutaneous treatment of selected proximal humeral fractures results in predictable union and good clinical results with a low rate of complications [26].
  • No single fixation method is a panacea for proximal humeral fractures; choice of implant and method should be selected according to individual patient and fracture pattern characteristics based on clearly defined indications and contraindications [38].
  • Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) with PHILOS plate is a safe and effective option for the treatment of proximal humerus fractures, with good functional recovery and fewer complications, which are typically technique dependent [49].
  • There are no significant differences in clinical outcomes or complication rates between standard components and fracture-specific components in reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) for proximal humerus fractures [51].

Complications

  • Proximal humerus fractures are associated with substantial mortality [6].
  • Mortality at 1 year for fragility proximal humerus fractures is universally high regardless of risk factors [14].
  • Surviving patients with proximal humerus fractures frequently have persistent symptoms that can be predicted as early as after 1 year [6].
  • Complications associated with proximal humerus fractures are varied and can be categorized as occurring at the time of initial injury, during operative management, or as delayed sequelae [11].
  • Low arthroplasty survival is observed after treatment for proximal humerus fracture sequelae [9].
  • Patients with pathologic humerus fractures have significantly higher complication rates compared with native humerus fractures after surgical treatment [29].
  • Guidelines and treatment algorithms for native humerus fractures may not be generalizable for those of pathologic origin [29].
  • Predictive models using machine learning techniques demonstrate favorable discrimination and satisfactory-to-excellent performance in forecasting prolonged length of stay and serious adverse complications occurring within 30 days of surgical intervention for proximal humerus fracture [59].
  • Most pediatric patients with proximal humerus fractures have favorable results, and complications are infrequent [12].

Recovery

  • Both age and gender are associated with the definitive treatment received for proximal humerus fractures in patients older than fifty years [3].
  • Most older adults who sustain proximal humerus fractures continue to receive nonoperative treatment [4].
  • Treatment algorithms and outcomes for proximal humerus fractures in patients aged 60 years or younger are distinctly different from those in a more elderly population [13].
  • Most proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients can be treated nonoperatively with good functional outcomes [27].
  • Long-term treatment with reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) for displaced 3- or 4-part proximal humerus fractures provides better functional outcomes compared to nonoperative treatment, a difference attributed to the deterioration of functional outcomes of the nonoperative treatment over time [44].
  • There is substantial mortality in patients with a proximal humerus fracture, and surviving patients frequently have persistent symptoms that can be predicted as early as after 1 year [6].
  • Mortality at 1 year for fragility proximal humerus fractures is universally high regardless of risk factors [14].
  • Complications associated with proximal humerus fractures are varied and can be categorized as occurring at the time of initial injury, during operative management, or as delayed sequelae [11].
  • Low arthroplasty survival is observed after treatment for proximal humerus fracture sequelae [9].
  • Prospective clinical trials with longer-term follow-up are required for definitive assessment of the ideal fixation construct for surgical management of two-part proximal humerus fractures [17].
  • After one year, long-term follow-up of fixed proximal humerus fractures may be unnecessary for those without symptoms [20].
  • Reverse shoulder arthroplasty is used for the treatment of complex, displaced proximal humerus fractures in older individuals (≥ 65 years old) [30].
  • It is a promising treatment for geriatrics with three- and four-part proximal humerus fractures aiming for a better long-term functional outcome [22].
  • The locking plate provides satisfactory functional outcomes after a mid-term follow-up in patients with displaced proximal humerus fractures [23].
  • ORIF of nonosteoporotic proximal humeral fractures with locking plates led to favorable functional and radiologic outcomes at a minimum of 10 years of follow-up [52].
  • Percutaneous treatment of selected proximal humeral fractures results in predictable union and good clinical results with a low rate of complications [26].
  • Minimally invasive treatment of displaced proximal humeral fractures in patients younger than 70 years using the Humerusblock yields good midterm clinical and radiological results [31].
  • Timing of surgery does not impact outcomes of patients who underwent ORIF for proximal humerus fractures, with delays beyond 5 days not affecting outcome [84].

Key Evidence

  • [L4] Non-operative management is associated with good outcomes in the majority of proximal humerus fractures in adults. [1] (10.5312/wjo.v5.i5.685)
  • [L4] In the vast majority of cases, proximal humerus fractures may be treated nonoperatively. [2] (10.1155/2012/861598)
  • [L3] Both age and gender have an association with the definitive treatment patients received for proximal humerus fractures over the last decade. [3] (10.1016/j.jseint.2021.11.007)
  • [L4] Over the past decade, most older adults who sustain proximal humerus fractures continue to receive nonoperative treatment. [4] (10.1016/j.jseint.2021.08.006)
  • [L3] Our results suggest that there is a substantial mortality in patients with a proximal humerus fracture, as we have previously reported, and that surviving patients frequently have persistent symptoms that can be predicted as early as after 1 year. [6] (10.1080/17453670510041295)
  • [L5] Consensus when managing proximal humerus fractures is limited to specific scenarios, whereas lack of consensus still exists in others. [7] (10.1016/j.jse.2024.12.005)
  • [L3] These results are pertinent when deciding on the treatment of proximal humerus fracture sequelae. [9] (10.1080/17453674.2020.1793548)
  • [L5] Most pediatric patients with proximal humerus fractures have favorable results, and complications are infrequent. [12] (10.5435/jaaos-d-14-00033)
  • [L4] Treatment algorithms and outcomes following proximal humerus fractures in patients less than or equal to 60 years of age are distinctly different from that of a more elderly population. [13] (10.1016/j.xrrt.2023.01.002)
  • [L3] Mortality at 1 year for fragility proximal humerus fractures is universally high regardless of risk factors. [14] (10.1016/j.jse.2022.03.006)
  • [L1] The available literature does not demonstrate a clear clinical benefit of operative treatment over nonoperative management of proximal humeral fractures in adult patients younger than 65 years. [15] (10.1016/j.xrrt.2021.04.014)
  • [L2] Besides age, most RCTs on surgical management of proximal humerus fractures do not include patient-specific variables within their inclusion and exclusion criteria. [16] (10.1016/j.xrrt.2025.07.023)
  • [L3] However, prospective clinical trials with longer-term follow-up are required for definitive assessment of the ideal fixation construct for surgical management of two-part proximal humerus fractures. [17] (10.1016/j.injury.2013.08.024)
  • [L2] Computed tomography scan was more specific than radiographs in the assessment of proximal humerus fracture sequelae. [18] (10.1177/17585732221150785)
  • [L2] Proximal humerus fractures are now typically osteoporotic fractures in women over 70, with prevalence increasing due to an aging population in poor general condition. [19] (10.1016/j.otsr.2012.05.013)
  • [L3] After one-year, long-term follow-up of fixed proximal humerus fractures may be unnecessary for those without symptoms. [20] (10.1007/s00590-021-03099-6)
  • [L4] They are indicated for complex proximal humerus fractures in patients no younger than 70 years of age. [21] (10.1016/j.otsr.2008.09.002)
  • [L3] It is a promising treatment for geriatrics with three- and four-part proximal humerus fractures aiming for a better long-term functional outcome. [22] (10.1186/s12891-023-06669-3)
  • [L4] The locking plate provides satisfactory functional outcomes after a mid-term follow-up in patients with displaced proximal humerus fractures. [23] (10.1007/s00590-010-0655-z)
  • [Paper] Non-operative treatment of proximal humerus fractures seldom results in displacement that warrants operative intervention, and there is little utility to the routine use of postoperative radiographs in follow-up of these patients. [24] (10.1016/j.otsr.2016.09.022)
  • [L5] The selection of RTSA over other surgical options is a current, reasonable, and safe option to treat proximal humerus fractures, particularly in those with higher Neer grades and/or in older patients. [25] (10.1097/corr.0000000000002430)
  • [L4] Percutaneous treatment of selected proximal humeral fractures results in predictable union and good clinical results with a low rate of complications. [26] (10.1016/j.jse.2006.09.006)
  • [L5] Most proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients can be treated nonoperatively with good functional outcomes. [27] (10.2106/jbjs.l.01293)
  • [L4] The use of artificial intelligence can accurately detect and classify proximal humerus fractures on plain shoulder AP radiographs. [28] (10.1080/17453674.2018.1453714)
  • [L3] After surgical treatment, patients with pathologic humerus fractures had significantly higher complication rates compared with native humerus fractures, suggesting that guidelines and treatment algorithms for native humerus fractures may not be generalizable for those of pathologic origin. [29] (10.1016/j.jse.2020.10.024)
  • [L4] We report current and historical treatments, outcomes, and principles in reverse shoulder arthroplasty for treatment of complex, displaced proximal humerus fractures in older individuals ( ≥ 65 years old). [30] (10.1007/s12178-020-09597-0)
  • [L4] Minimally invasive treatment of displaced proximal humeral fractures in patients younger than 70 years using the Humerusblock yields good midterm clinical and radiological results. [31] (10.1016/j.injury.2015.05.017)
  • [L5] Evaluation of the classification systems for fractures of the proximal humerus with plain radiographs has yielded low interobserver reliability. [32] (10.1016/j.ocl.2008.05.002)
  • [L5] These biomechanical observations may explain diminished functional results observed in patients treated with inferior tuberosity displacement after prosthetic reconstruction of shoulder fractures. [33] (10.1016/j.jse.2007.02.110)
  • [L4] Nonsurgical management of proximal humerus fractures decreased during the study period. [35] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2020.03.022)
  • [L3] Range of motion and strength thresholds can identify subjects with normal shoulder function. [36] (10.1016/j.jse.2010.06.005)
  • [L5] Surgical treatment of proximal humerus fractures remains far from straightforward, with unpredictable outcomes where factors associated with poor results include being a woman, four-part fracture dislocation, and absence of metaphyseal head extension. [37] (10.1097/corr.0000000000002242)
  • [L4] No single fixation method is a panacea for proximal humeral fractures; choice of implant and method should be selected according to individual patient and fracture pattern characteristics based on clearly defined indications and contraindications. [38] (10.1016/j.injury.2010.10.016)
  • [L1] This trial found no significant difference in clinical outcomes at 2 years between surgery and non-operative treatment in patients 60 years of age or older with displaced 2-part fractures of the proximal humerus. [39] (10.1371/journal.pmed.1002855)
  • [Abstract] These biomechanical changes may explain diminished function in patients with inferior tuberosity positioning after hemiarthroplasty for proximal humerus fractures. [40] (10.1016/j.jse.2007.02.027)
  • [L3] A majority of patients with proximal humeral fractures underwent non-operative treatment. [41] (10.1186/s12891-019-2812-9)
  • [L1] Long-term treatment with RSA for displaced 3- or 4-part proximal humerus fractures provides better functional outcomes compared to nonoperative treatment, a difference attributed to the deterioration of functional outcomes of the nonoperative treatment over time. [44] (10.1016/j.jse.2024.09.032)
  • [L4] The Mayo-FJD classification system for proximal humerus fractures seems to allow high intraobserver and interobserver agreement using both radiographs and computed tomography. [45] (10.1016/j.jse.2023.02.035)
  • [L5] These findings suggest that positioning the arm in abduction and internal rotation may help mitigate deforming muscular forces in proximal humerus fractures. [46] (10.5397/cise.2022.00885)
  • [L3] Nonsurgical treatment should have a more prominent role in the treatment of proximal humeral fractures. [48] (10.1016/j.jse.2011.01.025)
  • [L4] MIPO is a safe and effective option for the treatment of proximal humerus fractures, with good functional recovery and fewer complications, which are typically technique dependent. [49] (10.1016/j.aott.2016.10.003)
  • [L2] Morphologic classification of proximal humerus fractures as the sole basis for treatment algorithms and surgical success should be scrutinized. [50] (10.1016/j.jseint.2022.02.006)
  • [L1] This meta-analysis demonstrates no significant differences in clinical outcomes or complication rates between standard components and fracture-specific components in RSA, suggesting comparable performance in the treatment of proximal humerus fractures. [51] (10.1302/0301-620x.107b9.bjj-2024-1508.r2)
  • [L3] ORIF of nonosteoporotic proximal humeral fractures with locking plates led to favorable functional and radiologic outcomes at a minimum of 10 years of follow-up. [52] (10.1097/corr.0000000000002895)
  • [L2] However, the changed position of the humeral head on coronal plane does not affect the final functional results. [54] (10.4103/0973-6042.118911)
  • [L3] Holistic assessment of outcomes with both subjective and objective outcomes are necessary, as shoulder flexion, extension, and abduction are only moderately correlated with PROMs. [57] (10.1016/j.jseint.2024.02.003)
  • [L4] The paper reviews the biology and biomechanics of osteosynthesis for proximal humerus fractures, emphasizing that bone quality significantly impacts implant anchorage. [58] (10.1007/s00068-007-7089-2)
  • [L3] Predictive models constructed using ML techniques demonstrated favorable discrimination and satisfactory-to-excellent performance in forecasting prolonged LOS and serious adverse complications occurring within 30 days of surgical intervention for proximal humerus fracture. [59] (10.1016/j.jseint.2024.02.005)
  • [Paper] Rotator cuff tears are a detrimental factor and a major cause of painful shoulders. [63] (10.1007/s00264-004-0552-3)
  • [L5] The double plate strategy can increase the stability of the medial column of the proximal humerus, and enhance the overall biomechanical property of the repaired proximal humerus. [64] (10.1186/s12891-024-08216-0)
  • [L4] Evidence-based recommendations to guide treatment of proximal humerus fractures are lacking, and no good evidence exists whether surgery is clearly superior to nonoperative treatment. [65] (10.1016/j.ocl.2008.06.003)
  • [Abstract] Patients with a proximal humerus fracture undergoing reverse total shoulder arthroplasty have significantly worse perioperative outcomes, including higher rates of complications, longer hospital stays, and higher costs, compared to patients with other indications. [67] (10.1016/j.jse.2015.05.005)
  • [L4] There is clear evidence of specific characteristics which differentiate proximal third humeral shaft fractures from those of midshaft and distal third. [69] (10.1016/j.injury.2013.10.030)
  • [L3] Therefore, reverse shoulder arthroplasty could be considered primary treatment, especially when optimal range of motion is of great importance to the patient. [72] (10.1177/17585732231190038)
  • [L4] Glenoid loosening and severe scapular notching are related to poor positioning and/or incorrect orientation of the glenosphere. [74] (10.1016/j.otsr.2018.06.008)
  • [L3] Current diagnosis coding practices do not adequately capture the fracture complexity needed to conduct subgroup analysis for proximal humerus fractures. [75] (10.1016/j.jse.2023.08.022)
  • [L3] CNNs proficiently rule out proximal humerus fractures on plain radiographs. [76] (10.1302/0301-620x.106b11.bjj-2024-0264.r1)
  • [L5] The routine use of 3D-printed models may not be beneficial for classifying proximal humeral fracture patterns beyond the information gained from currently available imaging modalities, and their use as the sole determinant for recommending surgical intervention should be avoided at this time. [79] (10.1097/corr.0000000000002017)
  • [L5] In addition to palpation and anteroposterior and lateral humeral x-ray, we suggest adding bilateral anteroposterior shoulders xray routinely to confirm the shoulder location. [83] (10.1097/md.0000000000008977)
  • [L3] Timing of surgery did not impact outcomes of patients who underwent ORIF for proximal humerus fractures. [84] (10.1016/j.jse.2025.02.019)

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