A pragmatic , multicenter , parallel-group , randomized clinical trial , the Proximal Fracture of the Humerus Evaluation by Randomization ( PROFHER ) trial , recruited @ patients aged @ years or older ( mean age , @ years -LSB- range , @-@ years -RSB- ; @ -LSB- @ % -RSB- were female ; and @ -LSB- @ % -RSB- were white ) who presented at the orthopedic departments of @ acute UK National Health Service hospitals between September @ and April @ within @ weeks after sustaining a displaced fracture of the proximal humerus involving the surgical neck .