[Proximal humerus fracture in advanced age].

Functional results after plate osteosynthesis of unstable and displaced proximal humeral fractures, occurring in elderly patients, are good to excellent in 70% of patients, when surgery is performed according to the no-touch-technique. The incidence of aseptic necrosis of the humeral head and non-union are, in comparison with other internal fixation techniques, low. In four-part fractures and fracture-dislocations, primary arthroplasty remains the treatment of choice.