Il trattamento conservativo delle fratture dell’epifisi prossimale dell’omero: indicazioni e limiti

Abstract

The majority of proximal humerus fractures can be treated non-operatively with a satisfactory functional result and only minor difficulties in daily life activities. Decision-making should be based on injury specifics and patient age and requirements. The evaluation of the acceptable degree of displacement for conservative treatment without risk of pain or severe limitation of movement is very difficult. Traditional x-ray examination must be completed with a CT scan, with 3D reconstruction in difficult cases. Conservative treatment must be avoided in cases of superior and posterior displacement of the greater tuberosity and in varus or valgus fractures with more than 20–25° of angulation, mainly in young or active patients.