Table 1 Inclusion and exclusion criteria

3- and 4-fragment fracture of the proximal humerus

> 5 mm dislocation in one of the fracture planes

> age 60 years

Exclusion criteria

Fracture older than 14 days

ASA IV-V

Multitrauma ISS > 15

Pathological fracture

Previous surgery on injured shoulder

Severely deranged function caused by a previous disease

"Head split" type fracture of proximal humerus

Unwillingness or inability to follow instructions