EARLY RESULTS OF PRIMARY HEMIARTHROPLASTY FOR THE INTRAARTICULAR DISPLACED PROXIMAL HUMERAL FRACTURES IN THE ELDERLY PATIENTS

Abstract

Purpose: In this study, the outcome of 16 patients who were treated with shoulder hemiarthroplasty between September 1998 and November 2000 were evaluated functionally. Material and
Methods: Of the 16 patients, 12 were female (%75) and 4 were male (%25). Mean age was 70.06 years with a range of 44-86. In five patients fracture was due to high energy trauma and in eleven patients was low energy trauma. Fractures were classified according to Neer?s four part classification system. Seven patients were treated by applying Neer Type 2 Prosthesis, 8 patients by Modular Prosthesis. One patient was treated by applying a special prosthesis which had a long stem. Patients were assessed according to radiological findings and Constant Score for the shoulder functions.
Results: We didn?t need any revision operation. In 6 patients, the rehabilitation program was completed at the end of one year and is still in progress in the others. One patient died because of pulmonary embolism. In 1 patient there was superficial infection treated successfully. In 1 patient there was neurological deficiency before the operation as a result of the trauma. Deficiency decreased after the operation but required subsequent neurosurgical intervention.
Conclusions: We believe that increasement in the success rate is due to proper patient selection, meticulous surgical technique and the early postoperative rehabilitation.