Shoulder hemiarthroplasty for fracture with a conservative rehabilitation regime

Standard rehabilitation regime following hemiarthroplasty for trauma is early mobilisation to prevent the development of a stiff shoulder. However, an aggressive early rehabilitation may lead to non-union of the greater tuberosity. We hypothesise that a delayed rehabilitation will result in a good union rate without undue risk of shoulder stiffness.

Between December 1996 and June 2003, 40 patients with three or four part fracture of proximal humerus with or without dislocation, not amenable to open reduction and internal fixation underwent hemiarthroplasty with reconstruction of tuberosities and a conservative rehabilitation regime at our centre (age range of 39-92 with a mean of 68). Pathologic fractures and non-cooperative and/or demented patients were excluded. Patients were kept in a sling for 4 weeks before physiotherapy was commenced. They were reviewed at an average of 55 months (12-95) for assessment of pain, range of movement, activities of daily living and strength. Radiographs were taken to evaluate the union of the greater tuberosity.

One patient lost to follow up. In 12.8% of the patients (mainly elderly, with mean age of 78.8) the greater tuberosity failed to heal. In those with a healed greater tuberosity the average elevation was more than 130 degrees , and the average external rotation was 40 degrees . A total of 51.3% of the patients had excellent results, 33.3% had satisfactory and 15.4% had unsatisfactory results.

Postoperative immobilisation did not result in excessive stiffness and excellent functional results were achieved, especially in those younger than 70 years of age. However, tuberosity union could not be guaranteed in very old patients.