Proximal humeral fractures. Late results in relation to classification and treatment.

One hundred and eighty-eight proximal humeral fractures were reviewed retrospectively in relation to the Neer classification and the treatment given. The displacement criteria were found to have prognostic significance. Minimally displaced fractures had excellent outcome, whereas the results following any treatment of the displaced fractures were unsatisfactory in about one half of the cases. The indications for closed or open treatment can only be defined by prospective studies, and the methods of treatment should be improved.