Displaced Proximal Humeral Fractures: Evaluation and Treatment.

Successful treatment of proximal humeral fractures relies on the surgeon's ability to make an accurate diagnosis. Treatment must be predicated on a thorough understanding of the complex shoulder anatomy, a precise radiographic evaluation, and use of a well-designed classification system. Appropriate and realistic goals must be established for each patient. The patient's general medical health, physiologic age, and ability to cooperate with intense and prolonged rehabilitation are all considerations when selecting the optimal treatment.