Introduction: Traditionally conservative treatment has been used in fractures of more than 4 parts in patients over 65 years of age. Due to the increasing physical demands on the part of the patients and the increase in life expectancy we have had to reassess our attitude with respect to these fractures.

Materials and methods: We carried out a prospective study in patients with 4-part proximal humeral fracture treated with shoulder arthroplasty in 33 patients. Mean age 65–90, 81% women. The choice of prosthesis depended on the surgeon. The decision to use an inverted prosthesis was due to the impossibility of repairing the rotator cuff. The assessment parameters used were: clinical assessment, pain-scale, Constant Test, DASH questionnaire and satisfaction survey.

Results: The total complication rate was 45% (15 patients), 7 suffered a functional limitation of movement, 2 damaged their rotator cuff, 1 had a prosthesis dislocation, 2 had infections, 1 had pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and 2 were cases with previous neurological lesions. Twelve percent of all complications were independent of the technique used and in 42% there was no baseline pathological condition that justified their poor evolution. Good results were seen in 76% of functionally active patients.

Conclusions: In spite of the failure rate and the demanding technical requirements of this technique, shoulder arthroplasty may be considered the procedure of choice in active patients over 65 years of age.