Closed treatment of fractures of the proximal humerus

The results of 42 patients with three- or four-part fractures of the proximal humerus treated by closed methods only were reviewed. In 34 three-part fractures, 24 cases were satisfactory and 10 cases unsatisfactory; the satisfactory results tended to be in an older age group. In four-part fractures all eight cases had unsatisfactory results. It is concluded that closed treatment can give satisfactory results in three-part fractures but not in four-part fractures.