Reverse Shoulder Replacement: Forward Thinking in Acute Fractures—Opposes

While most fractures of the proximal humerus can be treated nonoperatively, prosthetic hemiarthroplasty has become an accepted method of treatment. The reported results of hemiarthroplasty in comminuted proximal humeral fractures have given over 80% satisfactory results. In cases of fracture, the main advantage of the reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is that function and stability are not dependent on tuberosity healing. Therefore, malunion and nonunion may not have the same negative influence on outcome as with conventional arthroplasty. At present, hemiarthroplasty is the safer, cheaper option with more reliably reproducible results.

Keywords: shoulder hemiarthroplasty, proximal humeral fractures