Hgu Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the long-term results following shoulder hemiarthroplasty in the treatment of proximal humeral fractures.

Material and Methods: We reviewed the medical records and radiographs of patients who had undergone hemiarthroplasty for proximal humeral fractures by the uncemented Neer I hemiprosthesis up to 2003. A total of 20 patients (10 women, 10 men) with a mean age of 62 years and acute fractures or fracturerelated complications were available for the 10-year follow-up after surgery. They were evaluated using the Morrison Form for residual shoulder pain, range of motion, strength and function.

Results: Results were satisfactory in 17 cases (85%). The mean active anterior elevation was to 110 degrees and the mean abduction to 90 degrees. At the most recent follow-up, 5 patients were free of pain and 12 patients suffered minor pain. 18 patients (90%) completed nine of the ten functions analyzed and 80% of them regained their pre-fracture activity. The strength is the parameter less improvement, allowing in a 60% of the cases a load of 5 kilograms.

Conclusion: The study data suggest that patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty as treatment of an acute fracture of the proximal humerus may achieve satisfactory long-term pain relief. Despite the results of overall shoulder motion and strenght are less predictable, the patients seem to be satisfied.