Management of proximal humeral fractures: a review

Abstract

Proximal humeral fractures are a common orthopaedic injury. Although many proximal humeral fractures are managed nonoperatively, operative management can result in improved functional outcome when appropriately indicated. Commonly utilized surgical treatment options include open reduction internal fixation (ORIF), arthroplasty, percutaneous fixation, and intramedullary fixation. The most commonly used classification remains the Neer fracture classification. The authors present a comprehensive review of the epidemiology, relevant anatomy, biomechanics, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of proximal humeral fractures.