Fig 1.
Flow chart of the search strategy and study selection.
Criteria for drop-out and subsequent number of studies remaining for further analysis.
Fig 2.
a-e Funnel plots of the meta-analyses. (a) Radiological Outcome (b) Arm length discrepancy (c) Complication rate (d) Functional Outcome (e) Subgroup analysis of severly displaced fractures. A publication bias of the five meta-analyses could not be excluded.
Table 1.
The studies included into the meta-analysis and their characteristics such as year of publication, mean follow-up period, treatment method described, parameters of evaluation of the functional outcome and their Coleman Methodology Score (quality assessment) are shown.
Fig 3.
Analysis of X-Rays at final follow-up.
Only X-rays without residual deformity were weighted as a successful treatment.
Fig 4.
Analysis of arm length discrepancies at final follow-up.
Fig 5.
Registration of complications occurring during the healing process.
Fig 6.
Analysis of success rates of functional outcome (rate of good and excellent outcome).
Fig 7.
Sub-group analysis of severely displaced fractures.
Success rates of functional outcome.
Fig 8.
Algorithm for the treatment of proximal humeral fractures in children and adolescents.