This paper reports a prospective study of 72 consecutive patients with fractures or fracture-dislocations of the upper end of the humerus, treated during 1981. Most were elderly and treatment was conservative. Of the 72 patients 64 were followed up for a period of six months. Observations were made on the type of fracture, the speed and pattern of recovery of shoulder movements, on the time of commencement of physiotherapy, and on its duration. We found that with conservative treatment alone, 94% of our patients had good or satisfactory results at six months from injury. The criteria for manipulation are discussed and the literature is reviewed.