Displaced proximal humeral fractures. Selecting treatment, avoiding pitfalls.

This article, based on years of modified classification of displaced proximal humeral fractures, presents the treatment alternative for each type of injury and the problems to be avoided with each method. The authors recommend reduction and fixation in active patients with displaced proximal humeral fractures. Percutaneous pin fixation for two-part fractures, tension band fixation for three-part fractures, and hemiarthroplasty for four-part fractures are advocated.