Outcomes for a large metaphyseal volume hemiarthroplasty in complex fractures of the proximal humerus

A large metaphyseal volume shoulder hemiarthroplasty has been in use within our department since 2008; however, no clinical outcome data are available for this prosthesis apart from the designer surgeon series.

During a 5-year period, data were collected for 40 patients (30 women, 10 men) treated consecutively with the Zimmer Anatomical Shoulder Fracture hemiarthroplasty system (Zimmer, Warsaw, IN, USA).

The final analysis included 26 patients. The median age was 79 years (range, 58-91 years), and the median follow-up was 3.7 years (range, 2.0-5.8 years). The median Constant Score was 34 points (range, 16-70 points), and the median Oxford Shoulder Score was 27 points (range, 5-46 points). The greater tuberosity healed satisfactorily in 12 patients. Resorption of the greater tuberosity was seen radiologically in 18 patients. The presence of resorption had no significant effect on the Constant Score (P = .264) or the Oxford Shoulder Score (P = .469). Three patients (12%) required revision.

This is the first report from a nondesigner center for outcomes for this prosthesis to date. The results demonstrate reduced functional performance compared with the designer series.