Varus malposition relates to functional outcomes following open reduction and internal fixation for proximal humeral fractures: A retrospective comparative cohort study with minimum 2 years follow-up

•This study evaluates the functional outcomes in patients with varus malposition following ORIF of displaced proximal humeral fractures.•The degree of varus malposition was measured on standardized x-rays, the functional outcome was evaluated by comparing the constant score.•Varus malposition is related to inferior functional outcomes in patients treated by ORIF for proximal humeral fractures.•In cases of severe varus malposition (>20°), revision surgery should be considered.