title: Open reduction and internal fixation of proximal humerus fractures.
abstract: Open reduction of proximal humeral fractures has the advantage of providing direct control over each fracture fragment and permitting anatomic reduction and fixation with advanced devices. Modern fixed-angle locking plates designed specifically for proximal humerus fractures have allowed the expansion of surgical indications permitting surgeons to address more complicated fractures. Advanced preoperative imaging and fluoroscopy allow a better understanding of fracture patterns and permit the surgeon to use this knowledge intraoperatively. Research is required to further validate fracture classification systems, to develop surgical guidelines for decision making, and to compare the outcomes of the various treatments options for proximal humerus fractures.
authors.affiliation: Hand and Upper Limb Centre, St. Joseph's Health Care, University of Western Ontario, 268 Grosvenor Street, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 4V2. ddros@mac.com
authors.forename: Darren S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Drosdowech
authors.forename: Kenneth J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Faber
authors.forename: George S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Athwal
mesh_terms: D001860:Bone Plates; D003657:Decision Making; D004867:Equipment Design; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography; D012784:Shoulder Fractures / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome