Shoulder hemiarthroplasty for malunited proximal hurmeral fractures

ABSTRACT

In this study, hemiarthroplasty [Neer II prosthesis] was used for the treatment of malunited fractures of the proximal humerus in eight patients [five men and three women with an average age of 57 years, range of 45-68 years]. The average time from initial injury to operative intervention was 13.5 months [range 4-23 months]. The patients were followed up for an average of 18 months [range 12-24 months]. Six patients had a complete painless shoulder. Active total elevation improved from an average of 25 degrees [range 15-35 degrees] preoperatively to 90 degrees [range 70-100 degrees] postoperatively. The external rotation improved from 15 degrees [range 10-20 degrees] preoperatively to 35 degrees [range 25-45 degrees] postoperatively and internal rotation improved from an average of S1 preoperatively to L1 postoperatively