Upper extremity periarticular fractures: when should they be fixed and when should they be replaced?

Periarticular fractures are common, especially in the elderly. Decision-making is dependent on fracture pattern as well as on patient- and surgeon-related factors.This article explores current concepts in decision-making for either reconstruction or primary prosthetic replacement of the proximal humerus. Selection criteria were relevance of data, number of cases greater than 20, and comparability of results.