Complex Proximal Humerus Fractures Research Articles

Patient obesity is associated with severity of proximal humerus fractures, not outcomes.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of obesity on the outcome of operatively treated proximal humerus fractures. Between December 2003 and October 2020, 240 patients with proximal humerus fractures requiring surgery were prospectively followed and classified according to the international AO/Orthopedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) and Neer classifications. Patients' body mass indexes (BMI) were calculated and used to identify two groups, BMI ≥ 30kg/cm (obese) and < 30kg/cm (non-obese). Independent t tests were used for statistical analysis of continuous variables and χ2 tests for categorical variables. Regression analysis was performed to determine if BMI was a predictor of fracture pattern severity as determined by the AO/OTA classification. Overall, 223 patients who sustained proximal humerus fractures were analyzed. Patient age at time of injury was 60.5 ± 13.7years. There were 67 AO/OTA 11A, 79 AO/OTA 11B, and 77 AO/OTA 11C fracture types. Seventy-two patients (32.3%) were obese. No significant differences were seen between groups in regard to demographic variables, Neer classification, or functional and clinical outcomes as determined by DASH scores and shoulder ROM, respectively. Statistical analyses confirmed that obesity is associated with more severe fracture patterns of the proximal humerus as categorized by the AO/OTA classification. An independent t test confirmed that BMI was significantly higher in the complex fracture group based on the AO/OTA classification (p = 0.047). Regression analysis also demonstrated that age (p = 0.005) and CCI (p = 0.021) were predictors of more severe fractures, while BMI approached significance (p = 0.055) based on the AO/OTA classification. A significantly higher incidence of complex proximal humerus fracture patterns is observed in patients with higher body mass indexes based on the AO/OTA classification. Age and CCI are also associated with more severe fracture patterns of the proximal humerus as determined by the AO/OTA classification. No differences were seen in outcomes or complication rates between obese patients and non-obese patients. Level III.

Anatomical study for the treatment of proximal humeral fracture through the medial approach

BackgroundThe treatment of complex 3- and 4-part proximal humeral fractures has been controversial due to numerous postoperative complications. With the further study of medial support and blood supply of humeral head, new techniques and conception are developing. The study aims to illustrate the medial approach of the proximal humeral fracture through cadaver autopsy.MethodUpper limbs from 19 cadavers have been dissected to expose the shoulder joint. We selected the coracoid process as the bony reference. Vernier caliper will be used to measure the following data, including distance from coracoid process to circumflex brachial artery, distance between anterior humeral circumflex artery (ACHA) and posterior circumflex brachial artery (PCHA) and their diameters. Assessment included the characteristics of the vascular supply around the humeral head, identification of the structures at risk, quality of exposure of the bony structures, and feasibility of fixation.ResultsThe medial approach is appropriate in 86.84% anatomical patterns. Between the lower part of the shoulder capsule and the insertion of conjoined tendon, the bony surface exposed was limited by the interval between ACHA and PCHA. An interval of 2 to 3 cm (24.29 ± 3.42 mm) was available for medial plate. ACHA (49.35 ± 8.13 mm, 35.14–68.53 mm) and PCHA (49.62 ± 7.82 mm, 37.67–66.76 mm) were about 5 cm away from the coracoid process. Risk structures including ACHA and PCHA originate in common, PCHA originated from the deep brachial artery (DBA), the presence of perforator vessels, musculocutaneous nerve intersects with ACHA, the diameter of PCHA: ACHA < 1.5. In 13.15% anatomical patterns, this risk structure should be taken seriously.ConclusionThe medial approach opens a new perspective in the optimal management of complex fractures of proximal humerus. Anatomical research proves that the medial approach is feasible. The interval between ACHA and PCHA is suitable for placement. Anatomical pattern and indication have been discussed, and we hypothesized that ACHA has been destroyed in complex PHFs. With further studies on the anatomy and mechanism of injury, the development of more clinical cases will be an important work of our institution in the future.

Comparison of Early Range of Motion in Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty Based on Indication: A Single Center Retrospective Review.

BackgroundReverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is commonly used in the treatment of rotator cuff arthropathy. Indications for RSA have expanded to include complex proximal humerus fractures. Studies directly comparing outcomes between traumatic and traditional elective indications are limited. The purpose of this study was to compare early active range of motion (aROM) within the first two years postoperatively between traumatic and non-traumatic primary RSA, as well as compare ASES scores, and patient satisfaction at final follow-up.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted of all RSA performed by a single surgeon between January 2000 and December 2018. Patients were grouped by indication into traumatic and non-traumatic elective groups. Demographics, surgical data, and routine aROM data were collected. aROM was compared at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score and patient satisfaction were determined at the time of this investigation.Results367 RSA procedures were performed by the senior author during the study period, 88 for fracture (24%), and 279 for non-traumatic elective indications (76%). Forward elevation and external rotation were inferior in the fracture group at all time points in the first two years. Internal rotation was equivalent throughout the first two years. Final ASES scores were 77.6 versus 83.5 in the fracture and non-fracture groups, respectively (p = .33).ConclusionPatients undergoing RSA for fracture had statistically significant inferior aROM in forward elevation and external rotation throughout the first two years. Despite having inferior aROM, ASES scores and patient satisfaction at final follow-up were statistically equivalent.Level of EvidenceLevel III; Retrospective Cohort Comparision; Prognosis Study

Complications of Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Computational Modelling Perspective.

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) is an established treatment for elderly patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears, complex proximal humerus fractures, and revision arthroplasty; however, with the increasing indications for RTSA over the last decade and younger implant recipients, post-operative complications have become more frequent, which has driven advances in computational modeling and simulation of reverse shoulder biomechanics. The objective of this study was to provide a review of previously published studies that employed computational modeling to investigate complications associated with RTSA. Models and applications were reviewed and categorized into four possible complications that included scapular notching, component loosening, glenohumeral joint instability, and acromial and scapular spine fracture, all of which remain a common cause of significant functional impairment and revision surgery. The computational shoulder modeling studies reviewed were primarily used to investigate the effects of implant design, intraoperative component placement, and surgical technique on postoperative shoulder biomechanics after RTSA, with the findings ultimately used to elucidate and mitigate complications. The most significant challenge associated with the development of computational models is in the encapsulation of patient-specific anatomy and surgical planning. The findings of this review provide a basis for future direction in computational modeling of the reverse shoulder.

CORR Insights®: 3D-printed Handheld Models Do Not Improve Recognition of Specific Characteristics and Patterns of Three-part and Four-part Proximal Humerus Fractures.

CORR Insights®: 3D-printed Handheld Models Do Not Improve Recognition of Specific Characteristics and Patterns of Three-part and Four-part Proximal Humerus Fractures.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty in complex fractures of the proximal humerus: results after 7 years of follow-up

BackgroundThere is still little information about the long-term results of clinical and radiological evolution in patients older than 65 years with complex proximal humerus fractures (CPHF) treated acutely with reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). The aim of this paper was to evaluate function and results 7 years after surgery.Material and methodsA prospective cross-sectional cohort study was designed for this purpose. Patients who underwent RSA surgery during 2012 because of a CPHF were included. The surgical approach was randomized (deltopectoral vs anterosuperior). Functional activity, evolution of tuberosities and evidence of scapular notching 7 years after surgery were analyzed.ResultsAfter evaluating 32 patients, the Constant score improved from 64.83 in the first year to 69.54 at 7 years postoperative. Results were independent of the approach used. Functional outcomes were poorer in patients with scapular notching and when tuberosities were resorbed or displaced.ConclusionsAt 7 years, function in patients undergoing RSA after CPHF demonstrated improvement in all patients except those who developed scapular notching or when tuberosities did not consolidate in an anatomical position. These results are completely independent of the approach used.Level of evidenceIII Controlled cohort study.

Multifragmentary proximal humerus fracture successfully treated with k-wire fixation: A case report.

Introduction and importanceThe ideal treatment of proximal humerus fracture remains a controversial topic, especially in the case of complex multi-fragmentary fractures. However, in limited resource settings, alternative less complicated fixation may be considered in highly selected patients without compromising the functional outcome. We report a case of successful treatment with k-wire fixation with satisfactory functional outcome.Case presentationA 22-year-old female presenting with a right-sided closed multi-fragmentary proximal humerus fracture following a motor vehicle collision. A complex multi-fragmentary right-sided proximal humerus fracture (AO 11C3, Codman-Hertel type 12) was diagnosed based on the shoulder x-ray and computed tomography 3-dimensional reconstruction. She underwent an open reduction and k-wire fixation under image guidance. She had satisfactory functional outcome 6 months after surgery with painless near-total range of motion.Clinical discussionThe ongoing debate of the optimal surgical management for complex proximal humerus fractures implies that the best treatment should be made on an individual basis. The probable reason for the good outcome in our patient may be the combination of intact blood supply and periosteum, intact rotator cuff mechanism, young patient with healthy bone metabolism and achievement of good reduction with restoration of the articular surface and calcar.ConclusionAlthough this successful case of k-wire fixation is not sufficient to challenge the option of primary arthroplasty, this low cost, readily, available simple strategy may be useful in highly selective instances.

Prosthesis Designs and Tuberosity Fixation Techniques in Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: Influence on Tuberosity Healing in Proximal Humerus Fractures.

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) is increasingly used for the treatment of complex proximal humerus fractures and fracture sequelae. In 2021, half a dozen models of fracture stems are commercially available, reflecting its growing utility for fracture management. Prosthesis designs, bone grafting and tuberosity fixation techniques have evolved to allow better and more reliable fixation of tuberosities and bony ingrowth. Patients with anatomical tuberosity healing not only have an increased range of active anterior elevation and external rotation, but also experience fewer complications and longer prosthesis survival. This review provides an overview of recent evidence on basic and fracture-specific RTSA design features as well as tuberosity fixation techniques that can influence tuberosity healing.

Cow-hitch fixation in fracture hemiarthroplasty.

BackgroundThe treatment of complex proximal humerus fractures with hemiarthroplasty is associated with a high failure rate due to secondary displacement of the tuberosities. It was the aim of this in-vitro study to compare the mechanical stability of tuberosity reattachment obtained with the so-called “Cow-Hitch” (CH) cerclage compared with conventional tuberosity reattachment.MethodsA 4-part proximal humerus fracture was created in 10 fresh-frozen, human cadaveric shoulders. The greater and lesser tuberosity were reattached to the hemiarthroplasty stem with in total 4 CH Cerclages in the Cow-Hitch group. The conventional technique—recommended for the tested implant—was used in the control group using 6 sutures. A total of 5000 loading cycles with forces of 350N were applied, while motion (in mm) of the tuberosities was recorded in 3 directions (anteroposterior = AP, mediolateral = ML, inferosuperior = IS) with a telecentric camera.ResultsAfter 5000 loading cycles, the CH group showed less fragment displacement (AP: 2.3 ± 2.3 mm, ML: 1.8 ± 0.9 mm, IS: 1.3 ± 0.5 mm) than the conventional group (AP: 9.8 ± 12.3 mm, ML: 5.5 ± 5.6 mm, IS: 4.5 ± 4.7 mm). The differences were not statistically significant (AP: P = .241; ML: P = .159; IS: P = .216). The lesser tuberosity fragment displacement in the CH group after 5000 cycles was less in the AP (2.3 ± 3.3 vs. 4.0 ± 2.8, P = .359) and IS (1.9 ± 1.2 vs. 3.1 ± 1.8; P = .189) directions but higher in the ML direction (7.2 ± 5.7 vs 6.3 ± 3.6, P = .963).ConclusionsIn-vitro, “Cow-Hitch” cerclage results in mean greater tuberosity displacements of 2 mm and reliably prevents displacements greater than 5 mm. In contrast, the conventional fixation technique yields unreliable, variable stability with low to complete displacement upon cyclical loading.

Reconstruction or replacement? A challenging question in surgical treatment of complex humeral head fractures in the elderly

IntroductionSurgical treatment of complex humeral head fractures in the elderly is challenging due to osteoporotic bone, comorbidities and reduced compliance. The treatment strategy (reconstruction versus replacement) should allow for a functional aftercare and result in a high patient satisfaction. Major complications leading to surgical revision are crucial and should be avoided. The purpose of this study was to analyse the major complication rate leading to surgical revision and the patient-based outcome in complex humeral head fractures of the elderly population treated either using locking plate fixation (LCP) or reversed total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA).Materials and MethodsAll patients older than 65 years surgically treated due to a four-part fracture of the proximal humerus between 2003 and 2015 were enrolled in our retrospective study. Major complications and revision rates were recorded and functional outcome was assessed using the Munich Shoulder Questionnaire (MSQ) allowing for qualitative self-assessment of the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), of the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and of the Constant Score.ResultsA cohort of 103 patients with a mean age of 73.4 ± 6.2 years suffering from four-part fractures of the humeral head were enrolled. 63 patients were treated using the LCP fixation compared to 40 rTSAs. There were no significant differences in the patient-reported functional outcome. The revision rate was significantly higher in the LCP group (10/63; 15.9%) compared to the rTSA group (1/40; 2.5%). Reasons for revision were avascular head necrosis, cut-out of screws, secondary dislocation of the greater tuberosity and hypersensitivity to metal.ConclusionsReversed total shoulder arthroplasty and locking plate fixation are both established surgical procedures for the management of complex proximal humerus fractures in the elderly leading to similar functional results. However the revision rate in the rTSA group was significantly lower. Primary rTSA should, therefore, be favoured in multimorbid elderly patients with an increased complication risk to avoid repeated anaesthesia.

Proximal humeral fracture locking plate fixation with anatomic reduction, and a short-and-cemented-screws configuration, dramatically reduces the implant related failure rate in elderly patients.

BackgroundMultiple studies have reported an unacceptable implant-related complication rate in proximal humeral fractures treated with locking plates, particularly in older patients. Our objective was to compare the fracture fixation failure rates in elderly patients, after a dedicated technique for locking plate fixation with cement augmentation or without it.MethodsA total of 168 open reduction and internal fixation with locking plates were performed for complex proximal humerus fractures by a single surgeon in 136 women and 32 men older than 65 years of age (average 76 years). Treatment groups included group 1 with noncemented screws (n = 90) and group 2 with cemented screws (n = 78). As per Mayo-FJD Classification, there were 74 (44%) varus posteromedial impaction, 41 (24%) algus impaction, 46 (28%) surgical neck, and 7 (4%) head dislocation injuries. A retrospective radiographic and a clinical analysis was performed.ResultsAt a mean follow-up of 33 months, the implant failure rate was significantly lower in the cement augmentation group (1% vs. 8%, P = .03). The overall complication rate was 21% (25% group 1, 15% group 2; P = .1). Global avascular necrosis was associated with sustaining a valgus impacted fracture (P = .02 odds ratio 5.7), but not to augmentation. Partial avascular necrosis occurred only in patients treated with cemented screws (3.8%). The overall revision rate was 9% in both groups. Forward elevation was 126 ± 36 degrees and external rotation was 44 ± 19 degrees. The mean Constant score was 70 ± 15 in group 1 and 76 ± 15 in group 2 (P = .03).ConclusionCement augmentation significantly decreased the rate of implant failure. Good results are expected for most patients treated with this technique.

Pectoralis Major Tendon as Landmark for Proximal Humerus Surgery: A Cadaveric Study on the Adult Filipino Population

Objective. It is common to get lost during a comminuted proximal humerus surgery, and the pectoralis major insertion is always a constant. Therefore, this study aimed to do a cadaveric study on the Filipino population to assess the distance from the pectoralis major tendon to the top of the humeral head (PMT) as a reference during proximal humerus surgery.&#x0D; Methods. This study dissected the shoulders of cadavers. The distance from the pectoralis major tendon insertion to the top of the humeral head (PMT) was measured using a caliper. This PMT distance was also correlated to the cadaver's height and sex.&#x0D; Results. This study dissected 110 shoulders (55 cadavers | 24 females, 31 males). The median PMT was 5.40 cm for males and 4.90 cm for females, with a combined value of 5.40 cm overall. There was a direct and moderate correlation between the PMT with overall height. Height and PMT of both the left and right shoulder were significantly longer among males compared to females. The study showed that for every centimeter increase in the height of males, there was a corresponding 0.02 cm increase in the PMT, adding the constant factor of 1.83. A corresponding 0.04 cm increase in the PMT for females added the constant factor of -0.81.&#x0D; Conclusion. The pectoralis major tendon insertion is a consistent landmark that can accurately restore humeral length when reconstructing complex proximal humerus fractures where landmarks are otherwise lost because of comminution.

In Reply to Commentary on "Are Arthroplasty Procedures Really Better in the Treatment of Complex Proximal Humerus Fractures? A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review".

In Reply to Commentary on "Are Arthroplasty Procedures Really Better in the Treatment of Complex Proximal Humerus Fractures? A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review".

Comparison of "Bilboquet" device and locking plate for surgical treatment of proximal humerus complex fractures at two years follow-up.

Surgical treatment of three or four part fractures of the proximal humerus is complex. Different conservative techniques have been described. The main goal of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of Bilboquet and locking plate at two year follow-up. This is a retrospective, comparative study, with a continuous series of 41 patients. Bony fixation was achieved with a Bilboquet device in 22 patients or a locking plate in 19 patients. Patient evaluation included clinical data: shoulder range of motion, Constant-Murley shoulder score and DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) score, and imaging using standard shoulder X-rays. Of the 41 patients included, 1 patient was lost to follow-up in the locking plate group. At a mean follow-up of 24 months patients in Bilboquet group showed a Constant score higher than in locking plate (p = 0.02). Range of motion and DASH score were not significantly different between the two groups. avascular necrosis occured in three patients of Bilboquet group (14%) versus in two patients in the locking plate group (11%) (p > 0.5). Complication and reintervention rate were non-significantly higher in the locking plate group than in the Bilboquet group (37 vs 14%). Bilboquet and locking plate give good functional outcomes in complex proximal humerus fractures. However, the Bilboquet device appears to provide better functional results than locking plate at mid-term follow-up.

Fracture-Specific and Conventional Stem Designs in Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for Acute Proximal Humerus Fractures-A Retrospective, Observational Study.

Tuberosity healing and stem design can be outcome-dependent parameters in hemiarthroplasty for proximal humerus fractures (PHF). The relevance of fracture-specific stem design in reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is still a matter of debate. This retrospective study evaluates tuberosity healing and function for fracture specific stems (A) compared to conventional stems (B) in RSA for complex PHF in 26 patients (w = 21, mean age 73.5 years). Clinically, range of motion (ROM), Constant-Murley-Score (CS), Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), and external rotation lag signs (ERLS) were evaluated. Healing of greater tuberosity (GT) and lesser tuberosity (LT), scapular notching, and loosening were examined radiologically. There were no statistical significant differences with regards to CS (A: 73 ± 11; B: 77 ± 9 points), SSV (A: 78% ± 11%; B: 84% ± 11%), external rotation (A: 18° ± 20°; B: 24° ± 19°), or internal rotation (A: 5.7 ± 2.2; B: 6.7 ± 2.8 CS-points) (p > 0.05). Mean forward flexion was superior for group A (p = 0.036). Consolidation of GT (82%) and LT (73%) was similar in both groups. Anatomical healing was slightly higher in group B (p > 0.05). Scapular notching was found in 27% (A) and 55% (B) (p > 0.05). RSA for PHF provides good to excellent clinical results. The quantitative and qualitative union rate for both cohorts was similar, indicating that fracture stems with open metaphyseal designs to allow for bone ingrowth do not improve tuberosity healing. ERLS correlates with a worse function in CS and ROM in all planes.

Treatment progress on proximal humerus fracture with proximal humerus cage

Proximal humerus fracture is one of the common shoulder fractures. With the increase in incidence, the proportion of surgical intervention is increasing. This paper explores the traditional and new treatment methods for proximal humerus fracture. Locking plate technology is the most commonly used method in the clinic, but its complication rate of intra-articular screw penetration and reoperation is too high.Fibular strut allografts can provide adequate support, but it is a significant trauma surgery and has a high incidence of potential disruption to necessary vascular.Arthroplasty is one of the treatments for complex proximal humerus fractures, but it has a long learning curve and high cost.In recent years, the proximal humerus cage's intervention model has emerged, which has the inherent advantagesof a three dimensional structure, which can provide adequate load bearing support for the humeral head and provide flexible screw placement Angle. The cage offers a new technical option to reduce postoperative complications and improve patients' rehabilitation safety. A comprehensive grasp of the treatments of proximal humerus fracture and rational choice of intervention measures will benefit patients.

Cow-hitch-suture cerclage for fixation of the greater tuberosity in fracture RTSA.

BackgroundThe treatment of complex proximal humerus fractures in the elderly with reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is an established treatment option. Healing of the greater tuberosity (GT) is associated with better outcomes. It was the aim of this cadaver study to compare the stability of GT refixation obtained with the so-called “cow hitch” cerclage fixation with that of the recommended standard suture cerclage technique.MethodsA 4-part proximal humerus fracture was created in 10 fresh-frozen, human cadaveric shoulders. A CT was performed preoperatively to ensure the comparability of bone density and fracture patterns. In the experimental group the GT was reattached to the stem of the reverse total shoulder arthroplasty with the “cow hitch” suture cerclage (CH) technique, the conventional (CON) technique recommended for the tested implant was used in the control group. Humeri were tested with a uniaxial material testing machine. In total, 5000 loading cycles with forces from 250 to 350N were applied while motion (in mm) of the tuberosities was recorded with a telecentric camera.ResultsAfter 5000 loading cycles, the CH group showed a significantly smaller displacement of the bone fragment (0.74 ± 0.31 mm) than the CON group [2.29 ± 1.08 mm (P < .05)]. After the first three cycles the mean displacement was 0.14 mm (±0.12) in the CH and 1.42 mm (±0.21) in the CON (P < .0001) groups.ConclusionsGT reattachment with the “cow hitch” suture cerclage showed a significantly more stable fixation compared with the currently for the used prosthetic system recommended suture cerclage technique in an in vitro 4-part proximal humeral fracture model.

Aktueller Stand der Schulterendoprothetik

Zusammenfassung. Die endoprothetische Versorgung an der Schulter hat sich als Standardverfahren zur Behandlung von Arthrose, Athropathien bei defekter Rotatorenmanschette, Frakturen und posttraumatischen Zuständen etabliert. Eine besondere Bedeutung kommt der Rotatorenmanschette zu. Bei intakter Manschette werden anatomische Prothesen durch Ersatz von Humeruskopf und Glenoid als Totalendoprothese verwendet. Die Zahl der Hemiprothesen, bei denen nur der Humeruskopf ersetzt wird, nicht jedoch das Glenoid, ist rückläufig. Bei defekter Rotatorenmanschette und Knochendefekten besteht die Möglichkeit der inversen Schultertotalendoprothese, wobei konvexer und konkaver Gelenkpartner durch den jeweils anderen ersetzt werden. Komplexe proximale Frakturen bei der geriatrischen Bevölkerung werden vermehrt mit inversen Prothesen versorgt. Eine Konversion von anatomischer zu inverser Prothese ist im Verlauf möglich. Moderne Operationstechniken, neue Implantate und präoperative dreidimensionale Planungen mit der Möglichkeit von patientenspezifischen Instrumentierungen haben das Behandlungsspektrum erweitert und die Ergebnisse verbessert. Der folgende Artikel gibt einen Überblick über den aktuellen Stand der Schulterendoprothetik.

Commentary on "Are Arthroplasty Procedures Really Better in the Treatment of Complex Proximal Humerus Fractures? A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review".

Commentary on "Are Arthroplasty Procedures Really Better in the Treatment of Complex Proximal Humerus Fractures? A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review".

Are Arthroplasty Procedures Really Better in the Treatment of Complex Proximal Humerus Fractures? A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.

A meta-analysis and systematic review was performed to compare outcomes of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), hemiarthroplasty (HA), and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) for complex proximal humerus fractures. Data sources: MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were screened. Search terms included reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, open reduction internal fixation, hemiarthroplasty, and proximal humerus fracture. English-language studies published within the past 15 years evaluating outcomes of ORIF, rTSA, or HA for complex proximal humerus fractures with minimum of 1-year follow-up were included, resulting in 51 studies with 3064 total patients. Review articles, basic science studies, biomechanical studies, and cadaveric studies were excluded. The methodological quality of evidence was assessed using the Jadad scale and methodological index for nonrandomized studies. Demographic data were compared using the χ2 test. Mean data were weighted by study size and used to calculate composite mean values and confidence intervals. Continuous data were compared using the Metan module with fixed effects. Count data were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Alpha was set at 0.05 for all tests. Patients undergoing rTSA had lower risks of complication (relative risk 0.41) and reoperation (relative risk 0.28) than HA patients. rTSA resulted in higher Constant scores (standard mean difference 0.63) and improved active forward flexion when compared with HA (standard mean difference 0.76). Pooled mean data demonstrated better outcome scores and active forward flexion of ORIF versus HA and rTSA, although the patients were younger and had more simple fracture patterns. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.