Acute hemiarthroplasty after proximal humerus fracture in old patients. A retrospective evaluation of 18 patients followed for 2-7 years.

We evaluated the outcome of acute shoulder hemiarthroplasty in 18 patients following displaced three- and four-part fractures of the proximal humerus. The mean age of the patients was 82 (70-92) years and the average follow-up time was 3.5 (2-7) years. No revision due to loosening was performed. All patients were evaluated concerning activities of daily living, degree of pain (VAS-scale, 0-100 mm) and range of motion. The patients had a low functional level, but were able to sleep on the operated side and keep up their hobby. 11 patients were painfree and the worst pain recorded was 28 mm. Range of motion for all movements, except extension, was statistically significant lower than for the non-operated side. We conclude that in elderly patients acute hemiarthroplasty following three- or four-part fractures of the proximal humerus results in good pain relief, but a more limited range of motion than that reported for younger patients.