[Objective]To investigate the treatment effects of the anatomical plate on proximal humeral fractures and analyze the structural characteristics of the plate clinically.[Method]From June 2003 to June 2005,comminuted fractures of the proximal humerus of 32 patients(18 males and 14 females,with average age of 39 years)were treated with anatomical plates.Fractured proximal humerus was exposed by a standard deltopectoral approach after a dissection from the deltoid and pectoral muscle.Anatomical plates were placed on lateral sides of the humerus after reduction.The arm was immobilized in a sling,passive movement was begun on the first day after surgery,and active movement of the shoulder was started after three week.Active movement with resistance was allowed when there was radiological evidence of bone healing which usually occurred after six weeks.The patients were reviewed clinically and radiologically.[Result]All 32 patients were available at follow up with mean duration of 20 months (7~28 months).No complications such as nonunion of fractures,infection,the loosening and breakage of the plate were ever occurred.The clinical results were graded as excellent in 21 patients,good in 7,fair in 2,and poor in 2 according to the Neer's classification.The excellent and good rate was 87.5%.[Conclusion]Anatomical plate for the proximal humerus holds a 3-dimensional structure,which facilitates the fracture exposure,bone fragments reduction and fixation.It is concluded that rigid fixation of displaced fractures of the proximal humerus with an anatomical plate provides sufficient primary stability to allow early functional treatment.And is advocated that primary open reduction and rigid internal fixation using anatomical plates for the proximal humerus fracture.