Treatment of the Fractures of the Proximal Humerus

Suh, Jeung Tak; Park, Byung Guk; Cheon, Sang Jin; Kim, Hui Taek; Suh, Kuen Taek; Yoo, Chong Il

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to compare 76 cases of fractures of the proximal humerus both clinically and radiologically which were treated at Pusan National University Hospital from January 1987 to December 1996. According to Neers classification, among the 76 patients, there were nine one-part fractures (11.8%), forty two-part fractures (52.6%), eighteen three-part fractures (23.7%), four four-part fractures (5.3%), and five head-splitting fractures (6.6%). In terms of treatment method, among the 76 patients, 49 patients (64.5%) were treated conservatively. Thirty seven patients (75.5%) of one-part and two-part fractures were treated conservatively, and twelve patients (54.5%) of three-part and four-part fractures were treated operatively. The results of the cases were rated by the Neer s assessment, 42 patients (85.7%) had excellent or satisfactory results in one-part and two-part fracture, and 7 patients (31.8%) had unsatisfactory or failed results in three-part and four-part fracture. Total cases with complications were 14 cases (18.4%). From the viewpoint of the type of fracture, the results in two-part and three-part fractures were much better than those of fourpart fractures. The joint stiffness which was the most common complication must be prevented by allowing the early motion of the joint to obtain a better result.