The incidence of proximal humeral fractures in New York State from 1990 through 2010 with an emphasis on operative management in patients aged 65 years or older

Background Proximal humeral fractures are commonly encountered injuries. The development of locking plate technology and reverse shoulder arthroplasty may have changed the treatment patterns of these fractures. Methods We used the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database in New York State to determine the incidence of proximal humeral fractures from 1990 through 2010 and the choice of treatment: closed reduction–internal fixation, open reduction–internal fixation (ORIF), hemiarthroplasty (HA), or total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Results The population-adjusted incidence per 100,000 increased from 15.35 in 1990 to 19.4 in 2010 ( P P P Discussion The incidence of proximal humeral fractures in patients aged 65 or older increased by 28% between 1990 and 2010, and operative management increased by more than 40%. The use of ORIF increased between 2001 and 2010, corresponding with the use of locking plate technology. There was an associated decrease in HA. TSA increased between 2006 and 2010, corresponding to the use of reverse shoulder arthroplasty.