Abstract
Aims: In this study we assessed the results of the hemi-arthroplasty for shoulder fractures in patients with a follow-up 2 to 7 years. Methods: Twenty six patients (20 women and 6 men, mean age 64.7±8.2 years [range 41 to 78 years]), with a fracture of the upper humerus requiring hemiarthroplasty, were followed-up 2–7 years after surgery. Ten Coþeld, nine Global and seven Aequalis prosthesis were implanted, all cemented. All the procedures were performed 0–17 days after the injury (mean 5.5±4.6 days). The clinical outcome was assessed using the Constant-Murley scale. Results: The mean score, at their last follow up, was 70.4±16.4% (39–96%). The mean ßexion of the arm was 150û (30û–175û), the mean abduction was 145û (30û–170û), the mean external rotation was 30û (10û–45û) and the internal rotation corresponded with a position of the dorsum of the hand at the L3 vertebrae. The patients in our series achieved the optimum clinical result during the þrst 6 months after the operation. No statistical signiþcant improvement occurred after this period. Six months after the injury 20 out of the 26 patients (76.9%) had the same activity level as they had prior to the fracture. At their last follow up eighteen patients (69.2%) had no any pain and 7 (27%) patients had some mild pain at the end of their daily activities and 1 patient (3.8%) had pain even with mild activities. Conclusions: Shoulder hemiarthroplasty seems to be a worthwhile procedure in modern orthopaedic surgeonsñ armamentarium, giving predictable results presuming careful selection of the patients, restoration of the individual anatomy of the shoulder and aggressive rehabilitation program during the þrst 6 months after surgery.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Dr. Frantz Langlais. Correspondence should be addressed to him at EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
