RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To assess the functional results of patients who sustained Neer III-IV shoulder fractures treated with hemiarthroplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive, ambispective, cross-sectional study. From January to December 2011 patient records were reviewed, a functional assessment was performed using the Constant scale, and the DASH questionnaire was applied. Data was analyzed with the SPSS software, descriptive statistics and frequency analysis. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were evaluated, mean age was 60.9 years (p = 0.004); females represented 56.3% (p = 0.001). The mechanism of injury was low energy trauma in 93.8%. According to the Constant scale, whose maximum score is 100, the score of our population was 40.75 (+/- 14.42). The highest prevalence rates corresponded to: middle pain, 8 (50%); work with full performance, 7 (43.75%); painful range of motion up to the xyphoid process (37.5%). Ranges of motion were as follows: abduction 30-60 degrees 10 (62.5% p = 0.004), flexion 30-60 degrees 6 (37.5%), external rotation, 14 (87.5%) with the hand behind the head, internal rotation up to the lumbosacral region, 7 (43.75% p = 0.005). Power of up to 3 kilograms, 5 (31.3% p = 0.005). Poor results were seen in 13 (81.3%) patients. The DASH questionnaire results were: disability/symptoms, 12 (75%) and special activities, 7 (43.75%) good results; in the work module, 8 (50%) fair results. Satisfaction with the surgical procedure, 87.5 percent. CONCLUSIONS: In this patient sample the function of the operated shoulder was considered as poor according to the Constant scale; it was good considering the symptoms and special activities, and fair for the work module, according to the DASH questionnaire.
