Primary endoprosthesis in comminuted humeral head fractures in elderly patients

The purpose of this prospective study was to determine the early subjective and functional result and outcome after primary implantation of humeral endoprosthesis in severely comminuted humeral head fractures in elderly patients. From 1993 to 1995, 27 humeral head fractures (27 patients) were treated by primary implantation of a Neer II modular shoulder prosthesis. Of these, 23 patients were women, 4 patients were men. The average age of patients was 76 (48-91) years. Postoperatively, one shoulder had to be mobilized under general anesthesia. Of the 27 patients 21 could be clinically examined after 16 (3-29) months postoperatively; 4 patients had died in the meantime, 2 did not come to the control examination because of a great distance and because they were happy. The average Constant Score was 48 (25-76) points; the difference to the other shoulder was 30 (18-69) points. Of the 21 patients 19 were satisfied by the result and 20 would reaccept the same procedure. These preliminary results suggest that primary shoulder prosthesis in humeral head fractures in the elderly patient is a valuable alternative option.