To evaluate the functional outcome after surgical treatment for displaced fractures of proximal humerus and assess the final results according to surgical methods.

Thirty-three cases with follow-up over 12 months were divided into three groups: double tension band wiring (Group I, 14), plate fixation (Group II, 10) and closed reduction with internal/external fixation (Group III, 9). The pain index, the self-assessed functional score and the range of motion were obtained.

Anatomical reduction was best obtained in group II and fractures united in 11-16 weeks. The pain index was worst in group III and the functional score of group I (80±12.2%) was higher than in the others (II: 69±15.7%, III: 55± 7.9%). The range of motion was worst in group III. Complications were noted in 9 cases, which occurred mostly in group II and III.

Double tension band wiring in displaced proximal humerus fracture demonstrated that it provides a sufficient fixation for early rehabilitation and union, while minimizing complication