OBJECTIVETo study Chinese medicine treatment in the three-part of the proximal humerus fractures.

METHODSFrom January 2009 to February 2012, 118 cases of proximal humerus three-part fractures were used two methods of operation and manipulation treatment,that were all acute and closed. In operation group: there were 22 males and 37 females,the mean age of the patients was (65.80 +/- 10.62) years (ranged from 45 to 83 years), and the interval from injury to hospital was (22.58 +/- 22.11) hours (ranged from 1 to 96 hours), used open reduction and locking plate fixation surgery. In manipulation group: there were 21 males and 38 females, the mean age of the patients was (65.98 +/- 11.10)years (ranged from 45 to 85 years), and the interval from injury to hospital was (20.85 +/- 22.63) hours (ranged from 1 to 107 hours), used manipulative reduction and small splinting external fixation. All patients were evaluated with shoulder pain, function, activity and anatomical indicators after treatment.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up for 3 to 12 months with an average of 8.2 months. According to Neer Score, the total scores was 85.47 +/- 6.15 in operation group, 84.95 +/- 5.70 in manipulation group. The satisfaction rate of the operation group were 88.20%, and the manipulation group were 86.40%. The difference was not statistically significant between two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe two treatment were able to achieve satisfactory results. The manipulative reduction and splinting treatment has the advantage of avoiding the risk of surgery, less blood damage, ensureing the efficacy, and reducing costs. It can effectively treat the proximal humerus three-part fracture.