Der Orthopäde
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Most fractures of the proximal humerus with significant displacement are best treated surgically. The range of surgical treatment varies from closed reduction and pinning to hemiarthroplasty depending on the degree of displacement, age of the patient, and bone quality. Determining whether or not the individual fractured bone segments are displaced to a significant degree requires high quality x-rays which can be difficult to obtain from acutely injured patients. ⋯ Furthermore, several studies indicate that a significant number of complications can occur following early and late prosthetic replacement. Humeral head replacement as a salvage procedure after malunions or failed open reduction and internal fixation is technically demanding with a relatively high rate of complications. Newer implant designs and instruments may improve the clinical results.