ABSTRACT
Fractures of the proximal humerus are relatively common, accounting for 2-4% of upper extremity fractures (29), with 75% occurring after age 60 and a 3:1 female-tomale incidence. Most proximal humeral fractures (over 85%) are nondisplaced and amenable to nonoperative measures. The therapeutic challenge lies in the remaining 15% of displaced fractures, which can vary widely in comminution, bone quality, and fracture location (4,44). The advent or at least popularization of percutaneous techniques has certainly modified the surgical indications for proximal humerus fractures and has recently spurred debate on the proper treatment of these injuries (1,3,30,68). In the end, however, the selection of proper surgical candidates and fixation techniques depends upon the accurate assessment of these fractures.
