Abstract:[Objective] To compare the clinical outcomes of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with proximal humeral locking plate (PHLP) through the anterolateral deltoid-split (DS) approach versus deltopectoral (DP) approach for Neer type Ⅲ and Ⅳ proximal hu- meral fractures with glenohumeral dislocation. [Methods] A retrospective study was conducted on 33 patients who received ORIF with PHLP for Neer type Ⅲ and Ⅳ proximal humeral fractures with glenohumeral dislocation in our department from January 2014 to December 2020. According to preoperative doctor- patient communication, 16 patients were through DS approach, while the other 17 patients were through DP approach. The perioperative period, follow- up and imaging data of the two groups were compared. [Results] Operation were done successfully in both groups. The DS group showed a significant better result in hospital stay and intraoperative blood loss and incision length (P<0.05) , however, the former had significantly longer operation time than the latter (P<0.05) . There was no significant difference in active motion time of injured shoulder between the two groups (P>0.05) . All patients were followed up over 12 months, and there was no sig- nificant difference in the time of full weight-bearing activity between the two groups (P>0.05) . At 3 months after operation, the DS group was significantly superior to the DP group in Constant-Murley score (P<0.05) , but the DP group showed a significant better result in Con- stant-Murley score at 12 months postoperatively (P<0.05) . Although there was no significant difference in forward flexion and lift range of motion (ROM) and abduction and lift ROM between the two groups at 3 months postoperatively (P>0.05) , the DP group showed a signifi- cant better result in forward flexion and lift ROM and abduction and lift ROM at 12 months postoperatively (P<0.05) . Radiographically, the DS group was significantly inferior to the DP group in quality of fracture reduction (P<0.05) . During follow-up, the fractures healed time showed no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05) . However, the DS group had significantly higher incidence of late ad- verse imaging findings than the DP group (P<0.05) . [Conclusion] The deltopectoral approach used for ORIF of Neer type Ⅲ and Ⅳ proxi- mal humeral fractures with glenohumeral dislocation has the advantages of facilitated fracture reduction, short operation time and less com-plications at elderly aged less than 70 years.