Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for the Treatment of Proximal Humeral Fractures.

Abstract

Proximal humeral fractures account for approximately 5% of fractures that are seen in the emergency department and can present difficult challenges to the treating physician1. These fractures are most commonly classified according to the system proposed by Neer2. Complex proximal humeral fractures that require operative treatment can be treated with osteosynthesis, hemiarthroplasty, total shoulder arthroplasty, or, more recently, reverse shoulder arthroplasty3. While locked plating may result in improved fixation in osteopenic bone compared with traditional unlocked plating, the outcomes may still be limited by the risk of complications, including stiffness, osteonecrosis, implant failure, and loss of reduction4,5. Hemiarthroplasty traditionally has been performed for the treatment of three or four-part fractures, particularly in patients with osteopenic bone, and can yield good results for low-demand patients6,7. The outcomes of hemiarthroplasty for the treatment of proximal humeral fracture are satisfactory for long-term pain relief but are less predictable in terms of shoulder motion8. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty can be used for the treatment of cuff tear arthropathy and recently has gained popularity for the treatment of severe proximal humeral fractures. The present review of the current literature on the use of reverse shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures focuses on indications, preoperative planning, surgical techniques, …