Most fractures of the shoulder were left to heal by itself by immobilising the arm. Though healing was not a problem, the resultant stiffness is a huge handicap for the patient. Plate and screw fixation commonly employed in other joint fractures , was unpopular in shoulder fractures because they caused enormous problems by interfering with the blood supply to the shoulder.

Recent Advance

Minimal and less invasive techniques have been developed specific for the shoulder like the plant ton plate which preserves the blood supply to the bones and at the same time stabilises the fracture adequately to permit early exercises. These techniques are performed without opening the skin or by employing a mini-incision only. Sometimes in elderly patient a hemi-replacement is the best solution to treat very comminuted fractures.