[Functional results of partial shoulder replacement in patients over 65 years]

The aim of this study is to describe functional results one year after intervention in a group of patients over 65 years with partial shoulder replacement (PSR).

A descriptive study, conducted between 2006 and 2010, that included 40 patients with PSR after fracture proximal humerus (FPH). We used Quick Dash questionnaire to evaluate functional results, visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and manual goniometer for the shoulder joint range. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS program version 15.

The mean of age was 75.6 years (range 65-88). The mean number of rehabilitation sessions was 38.8. The mean time from surgery up to final functional evaluation was 17.2 months. The score on Quick Dash questionnaire in this evaluation was 2.44 which is equal to 36% (between low and moderate difficulty in activities). The VAS score in the analysis of pain gave a mean of 3.1. The mean of the active joint ranges after rehabilitation were, 83.6° in antepulsion, 33.1° in external rotation, 30.6° in internal rotation, and 74.6° in abduction.

Elderly patients obtained acceptable functional results and low pain after PSR, although they did not obtain the full active range of movement of the shoulder.