We have previously described the short-term outcome of the use of reverse shoulder arthroplasty in the treatment of acute complex proximal humeral fractures in the elderly. We now report the clinical and radiological outcome of 36 fractures at a mean of 6.6 years (1 to 16). Previously, at a mean follow-up of 6 years (1 to 12) the mean Constant score was 58.5; this was reduced to 53 points with the further follow-up. A total of 23 patients (63%) had radiological evidence of loosening of the glenoid component. Nevertheless, only one patient had aseptic loosening of the baseplate at 12 years' follow-up. The reduction in the mean Constant score with longer follow-up and the further development of scapular notching is worrying. New developments in design, bearing surfaces and surgical technique, and further follow-up, will determine whether reverse shoulder arthroplasty has a place in the management of complex proximal humeral fractures in the elderly.

Despite one single case of aseptic loosening of the metaglene at 12-year follow-up, the results of our series are clinically disappointing and radiographically worrying associated with a substantial rate of complications and reopperations. The long-term functional outcome is far from being identical to the pre-trauma clinical status with a potential evolution toward loss of autonomy when the dominant side is affected. New prosthetic design characteristics and surgical technique improvements should be implemented to improve shoulder adduction but also rotations while preventing the occurrence of scapular notching. In the light of these results, we cannot validate the concept of primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty in the management of recent trauma of the proximal humerus.

For acute complex fractures of the proximal humerus in elderly subjects with poor bone quality, when effective and reliable re-fixation of the tubercles is difficult or impossible, the reverse ball-and-socket shoulder prosthesis is a possible alternative providing good functional outcome except for rotations, but with the risk of inferior scapular notching. Although not problematic in the medium term, these notches may contribute to glenoid loosening with bone loss in the long term. Nevertheless, this procedure seems to improve the status of patients with such fractures.

No abstract

Level IV. Therapeutic retrospective study.