[Injuries of the proximal humeral epiphysis. Indications for surgical therapy and results].

Lesions of the proximal humeral epiphyseal plate occur most frequently as epiphysiolysis with metaphyseal fragment between the age of 12 and 16 years. The conservative treatment with Desault plaster cast is recommended for stable fractures. In unstable fractures the percutaneous K-wire osteosynthesis after reduction is the adequate procedure. Hypertrophic scars were found after open reduction in half of all patients treated. Only when closed reduction was impossible, the fracture should be exposed and stabilised with K-wires and/or lag screws. All 21 patients who were followed-up have been free of complains with a full range of motion in shoulder and elbow joints.