To determine if operative treatment of non operative management of these fractures is best. Hypothesis: There is no difference in functional outcome between operative and non-operatively treated 3- and 4-part proximal humerus fractures at one year's time.

Participants of 70 years of age or older who have been medically assessed as 'fit for surgery' are randomly (like flipping a coin) to either operative or non operative management of their injury. Clinical follow-up including x-rays, and physical assessment of injured shoulder, and outcomes questionnaires will be used to determine which if either resulted in the best outcome.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Proximal humerus fracture patients