Non-operative treatment versus tension-band osteosynthesis in three- and four-part proximal humeral fractures - A retrospective study of 34 fracturesfrom two different trauma centers

Thirty-four patients with three- and four-part proximal humeral fractures f rom two different trauma centres were studied retrospectively. Sixteen were treated without osteosynthesis and compared with 18 patients treated with tension-band fixation. Fracture classification and clinical examinations we re made by the same persons in both groups. Most of the three-part fracture s healed with good pain relief and good function in daily life but often wi th a loss of motion. Four-part fractures often led to pain, loss of motion and of functions. Conservative treatment seemed superior to tension-band fi xation for three-part fractures. Four-part fractures healed with better fun ction and range of motion after tension-band fixation.