Abstract
Fractures of the proximal humerus occur predominantly in the elderly patient population. There has been a tendency over the last 15 years to perform surgical procedures to reduce and hold these fractures while the bone and soft tissue heal. The osteoporotic nature of the bone does not allow adequate fixation of the bone and therefore fixation techniques are inadequate to allow optimal soft tissue rehabilitation.
A study was performed to observe the results of non-surgically treated displaced fractures of the proximal humerus in the elderly.
The encouraging results are presented and discussed.
Non-surgical management of displaced fractures of the proximal humerus achieves a good functional shoulder although not normal in this predominantly sedentary population. The question arises as to quality of function after surgical management of these difficult fractures compared to non surgical management and if surgical management is indicated in these elderly usually frail patients with low demand from their shoulders.
The abstracts were prepared by Orah Naor. Correspondence should be addressed to him at the Israel Orthopaedic Association, PO Box 7845, Haifa 31074, Israel.
