Primary endoprosthesis in comminuted humeral head fractures in patients over 60 years of age

The purpose of this study was to determine the early subjective and functional results after primary endoprosthesis replacement for comminuted humeral head fractures in patients over 60 years old. Twenty comminuted humeral head fractures in 20 patients were treated primarily (within 3.5 days (range 0-17 days) with a Neer LI modular shoulder prosthesis, and were then followed up for an average of 32.5 months (range 17-44 months). The average age of the patients was 77 years (range 63-91 years). The average post-operative Constant score was 52 points (range 30-76). This was significantly less than that of the contralateral side where the score was 80 points (range 53-100), P=0.0001. The average active abduction was 90 degrees (contralateral 157 degrees) and active flexion 99 degrees (contralateral 161 degrees). Eighteen of the 20 patients experienced relief of pain and would accept the same procedure again.