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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
10:10
Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
Prosthetic replacement for proximal humeral fractures
George Kontakis1, Theodoros Tosounidis, Ioannis Galanakis
1Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology, University Hospital of Heraklion Crete, Greece. gkontaki@yahoo.com
Injury
|November 28, 2008
Summary
For complex proximal humeral fractures, hemiarthroplasty is a reliable option for elderly patients, especially when performed early. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty offers an alternative for specific cases and managing failed hemiarthroplasty.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Traumatology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Management of complex proximal humeral fractures remains a challenge.
- Recent innovations include locked plating, but established methods persist.
- Patient-specific factors are crucial in treatment selection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current management strategies for complex proximal humeral fractures.
- To evaluate the role of hemiarthroplasty and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.
- To emphasize individualized treatment approaches.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent literature on proximal humeral fracture management.
- Analysis of surgical techniques and outcomes for hemiarthroplasty and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.
- Discussion of critical technical aspects like stem height and tuberosity positioning.
Main Results:
- Hemiarthroplasty is a valid option for elderly patients with poor bone stock or when internal fixation is unreliable.
- Early hemiarthroplasty generally yields better results.
- Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is a viable alternative for primary treatment in selected cases and for managing failed hemiarthroplasty.
Conclusions:
- Treatment decisions for proximal humeral fractures require careful consideration of fracture patterns and patient characteristics.
- Hemiarthroplasty remains a reliable option, with technical precision being key.
- Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty provides a valuable alternative for complex cases and salvage procedures.
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