Fractures of Proximal Humerus Open Reduction and Internal Fixation

Abstract

Fractures of the proximal humerus are common in the middle age population and usually result from a fall. The fracture may involve the humeral head, lesser tuberosity, greater tuberosity, surgical head or anatomical head of the humerus. Neer’s classification is used to guide treatment and it is based on the number of segments displaced (one to four part fractures). An axillary x-ray is necessary to exclude fracture dislocation. In this chapter the surgical management of proximal humeral fractures is discussed.