Key points

Do fractures of the proximal humerus need surgery to heal?

 That is incorrect. Proximal humerus fractures heal with or without surgery.  That is correct. Proximal humerus fractures heal with or without surgery.

The bone may heal in a better position with surgery.

 This is correct. Surgery can put the bone in a better position.  This is incorrect. Surgery can put the bone in a better position.

If I choose to have surgery, there’s a chance I’ll have a complication from the surgery.

 This is correct. Approximately 9 out of a 100 people experience a major complication that is treated with more surgery.  This is incorrect. Approximately 9 out of a 100 people experience a major complication that is treated with more surgery.

If I choose surgery, I can return to sports or work sooner.

 This is incorrect. The fracture needs 3 months to be ready for forceful use (e.g. heavy lifting, supporting one’s body weight) - with or without surgery.  This is correct. The fracture needs 3 months to be ready for forceful use (e.g. heavy lifting, supporting one’s body weight) - with or without surgery.