[Indications and results of shoulder prosthetics in complex proximal humerus fractures]

Complex fractures of the proximal humerus are uncommon injuries and a therapeutic challenge to the orthopaedic surgeon. Successful treatment requires proper evaluation of the patient and analysis of standardized high-quality radiographs. The trauma series of radiographs (including true anteroposterior and lateral views in the scapular plane, and axillary view) is essential for accurate fracture assessment. Generally, joint-preserving reconstructive techniques are emphasized, aiming at restoration of the anatomy of the proximal humerus. In young individuals with excellent quality of the bone fragments, careful techniques of reduction and fixation, avoiding additional surgical devascularization, should be performed, even in case of possible impairment of the vascular supply to the humeral head. In elderly individuals with osteoporotic bone and limited compliance throughout aftercare, humeral head replacement may be indicated less restrictively. In the latter group hemiarthoplasty generally can be expected to result in painfree shoulders. However, recovery of function and range of motion are much less predictable.