Effectiveness over time of the reverse shoulder prosthesis for acute proximal humeral fracture

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) has proven to be an effective surgical procedure for irreparable rotator cuff tears, comminuted fractures of the proximal humerus, and shoulder arthroplasty revision surgeries. We know from the literature that the functional results are good in the short term, but not whether these results remain stable in the long term or, on the contrary, show deterioration in functionality.

This study aims to analyze the functionality, degree of satisfaction, complications, and prosthesis survival at different cut-off points in patients with complex proximal humerus fractures treated with rTSA, with a minimum postoperative follow-up of 7 years.

Analytical, longitudinal, and prospective observational study of a cohort of patients treated for a fracture of the proximal humerus with Prótesis Inversa de Hombro. Functional outcome was assessed using the Constant Score and the Constant adjusted for age and gender of the patients. Quality of life was measured using the University of California at Los Angeles Shoulder Assessment scale and the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score scale. In addition, range of motion, pain, and radiologic variables of loosening, scapular notching, and tuberosity consolidation were assessed.

Thirty-three patients were included with a mean postoperative follow-up of 8.3 years (range 7-12 years). There was a progressive and significant decrease in Constant Score at 5 and 7 years follow-up compared to the baseline assessment 2 years after surgery, although the effect size was not significant. The age- and sex-adjusted Constant as well as the University of California at Los Angeles Shoulder Assessment scale did not show statistically significant variations at follow-up. Both shoulder abduction and anterior shoulder flexion correlated well with the final Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score scale score. Radiologic variables did not influence any of the study outcome variables.

The functionality and quality of life of patients with complex proximal humerus fractures treated with rTSA decreased significantly compared to the 2-year evaluation, although this change was not clinically relevant. Survival of rTSA was satisfactory in the medium to long term with a low complication rate.