An ever-expanding range of reconstructive options has become available to treat these injuries, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Surgery should only be considered in approximately 20% of patients, 4 either because they require better shoulder function or because their fracture is more complex. 3 Most patients with these injuries will regain a functional shoulder without operation. 1, 2 Most are stable, minimally-displaced osteoporotic fractures in the elderly, and are the result of low-energy falls. Fractures of the proximal humerus account for 5% of injuries to the appendicular skeleton.
