[Fracture of the proximal humerus in children and adolescents. The most overtreated fracture].
BACKGROUND
There is great uncertainty among trauma surgeons regarding the correct treatment of rare proximal humerus fractures in children and adolescents, in spite of the great potential of the proximal humeral epiphysis for self-correction, even in cases of gross malalignment.


METHODS
Over a span of 6 years, we treated 52 children and adolescents with closed proximal humerus fractures, 45 of whom had no other injuries. In only three cases did we see an indication for operative treatment at our institution. Operations on another three were performed elsewhere. Forty two patients were available for follow-up exams.


RESULTS
They all had good or very good results with regard to fracture healing (constant score) independently of age, sex, fracture morphology, and treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
We believe it is particularly important to discuss therapy concepts with parents and the involved outpatient physicians in order to avoid unnecessary and stressful operations.
David
S
S
Klinik für Unfall und Wiederherstellungschirurgie, Unfallkrankenhaus Berlin (ukb), Warener Strasse 7, 12683 Berlin. stephan.david@ukb.de
Kuhn
C
C
Ekkernkamp
A
A
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005592:Fracture Fixation; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000502:physiology; D005596:Fractures, Closed / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D012784:Shoulder Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*