Conservative treatment, plate fixation, or prosthesis for proximal humeral fracture. A prospective randomized study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Proximal humerus fracture is the third most common fracture type after hip and distal radius fracture in elderly patients. A comprehensive study by Palvanen et al. demonstrated an increase in the annual fracture rate of 13.7% per year over the past 33 years. Should this trend continue, the fracture rate would triple over the next three decades. The increasing incidence of low-energy fractures raises questions about the optimal treatment in terms of functional outcome, pain, and rehabilitation time, as well as the economical impact. Despite the high incidence and costs of proximal humerus fractures, there is currently no valid scientific evidence for the best treatment method. Several publications, including a Cochrane review outline the need for high-quality, well-design

SUBMITTER: Launonen AP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3520878 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature