Level of physical activity in elderly patients after hemiarthroplasty for three- and four-part fractures of the proximal humerus.

Abstract

We report on 13 physically active patients who performed sports activities at a weekend or recreational level when they suffered a severe proximal humerus fracture or fracture dislocation. All patients were treated using the NEER II hemiarthroplasty, 9 patients within 4 weeks after trauma and 4 patients 2, 5, 10 and 15 months after trauma. At an average follow-up of 50 (range 6-98) months, all patients were evaluated, both by clinical review and radiographs. Patients obtained 69.0 points using the HSS score (Hospital for Special Surgery) for evaluation. Subjectively, 85% of the patients evaluated the result as 'good' or 'excellent' on a visual analogue scale for satisfaction. There was no radiographic evidence of implant loosening. At an average period of 33 (range 16-52) weeks 10 patients started with their physical activities again without a change in their participation level.