I had the same injury from a fall; namely "multipart displaced head splitting fracture" meaning the ball on the end of the upper arm bone, is split into pieces.
I was referred by one specialist in replacements, to another that said he would try a repair, but had on hand the hardware to do the replacement instead, if indicated. He did the repair, which involved a plate and ten screws.
Nearly five years later, I am okay. (For years he checked x-rays quarterly watching for bone loss, which would indicate insufficient blood supply). Range of motion not perfect, but very good. Pain usually not an issue.
I believe I got a good outcome, by having an excellent doctor. A woman at my office, had a similar scenario, but not as good of an outcome.
The entire process was not pleasant at all. Surgery #1 plate screws installed, surgery #2 ten months later for removal of plate & screws. Surgery #3 two weeks after #2 due to hemorrhage. Physical therapy, painful.
