Proximal humerus fractures - Part 1 : conservative management
Date
2019-08
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
South African Orthopaedic Association
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Fractures of the proximal humerus are common, especially in osteoporotic females. Despite this, there remains significant debate around their preferred treatment. The difficulties when considering treatment options is the wide array of fracture patterns and multiple patient factors which play an important role in the outcome of the management of these fractures. Fortunately, the vast majority of these fractures can be treated conservatively. The challenge, however, is the 15% of patients in which surgery may be required such as displaced three- and four-part fractures, and fractures in young and active patients. Although various recent studies and review papers show acceptable results with conservative treatment, especially in elderly patients, the decision on when to operate and when to consider conservative treatment remains challenging. The goal of this current concepts paper is to highlight important aspects of the conservative management of patients with proximal humerus fractures, from initial assessment through to treatment, including possible complications.
Level of evidence: Level 5
Description
CITATION: Anley, C. et al. 2019. Proximal humerus fractures. Part 1: Conservative management. South African Orthopaedic Journal, 18(3):63-71. doi:10.17159/2309-8309/2019/v18n3a8
The original publication is available at https://www.saoj.org.za/index.php/saoj/index
The original publication is available at https://www.saoj.org.za/index.php/saoj/index
Keywords
Fracture, Humerus -- Rupture, Conservative, Osteoporosis, Fractures -- Treatment
Citation
Anley, C. et al. 2019. Proximal humerus fractures. Part 1: Conservative management. South African Orthopaedic Journal, 18(3):63-71. doi:10.17159/2309-8309/2019/v18n3a8