ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Proximal humeral fracture is a common disease of fall injury in the elderly, because of bone nonunion after treatment with a variety of factors such as senile osteoporosis. Currently, the use of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty has achieved good clinical effect, but has certain limitations. OBJECTIVE: To compare and observe the clinical effects of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty and open reduction and internal plate fixation in the treatment of nonunion of proximal humeral fractures. METHODS: Totally 120 cases of nonunion of proximal humeral fractures were randomly divided into observation group and control group, with 60 cases in each group. The observation group received reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (replacement of artificial shoulder joint). The control group received open reduction and internal plate fixation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Follow-up results: At 3 years after surgery, the pain score was lower in the observation group than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Constant daily activities, range of activities, strength test score, Constant total score, satisfaction and hospitalization expenses were higher in the observation group than in the control group. Functions of flexion, laterotorsion and intorsion were better in the observation group than those in the control group (P < 0.05). (2) Adverse reactions: At 3 years after surgery, 26 and 22 cases had adverse reaction in the observation group and the control group respectively. (3) The results show that the clinical effect of the elders' nonunion of proximal humeral fracture treated with reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is quite good, and the pain degree and shoulder function are obviously improved. The curative effect of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is better than that of open reduction and internal plate fixation.