Abstract
During 10 years after 1981, a follow-up study was performed in 110 cases of proximal humerus fractures. There were 29 male and 81 female patients. The mean age of patients was 64.4, ranging from 6 to 91. The average follow-up period was 6.4 months, with a range of 1 month to 5 years.
The cases were classified according to Neer's four-segment classification, and consisted of 41 cases of minimal displacement, 52 cases of two-part fracture, 13 cases of three-part fracture, 1 case of four-part fracture and 3 cases of fracture-dislocation.
Various treatments (conservative or operative treatment) were performed. But the results of treatment were unsatisfactory on the whole. In particular for the hanging cast method which was applied in 42 cases, “Fair” or “Poor” results were obtained in 26 cases (62%).
At present, the treatment of proximal humerus fractures is difficult, especially in the elderly, and so it is necessary to select an adequate treatment, considering their age, occupation, life style, general condition, grade of osteoporosis and type of fracture.
