Displaced proximal humeral fractures

Author summary

At the publication of this study, a better classification system was needed to describe fractures and fracture dislocations of the proximal humerus. In particular, it was important to identify patients who may not respond satisfactorily to conservative treatment, so careful thought could be given to the course of treatment, based on the actual pattern of the fracture. Such a system also could help establish treatment guidelines in the future for similar cases. Furthermore, an objective grading system for the outcome of treatment was sought, so that long-term outcomes reported by different physicians could be reliably and consistently compared.