Current status and perspectives of shoulder replacement

Basis of the modern shoulder implants is the Neer II-system, a non constrained total shoulder prosthesis with conforming radii of curvature and improved protection against dislocation. The second generation of shoulder prosthesis is based on the geometric shaft design of the Neer II prosthesis and offers not only a variety of modular head- and shaft-sizes but also through different radii a physiologic rotation-translation-mechanism. The third generation of humeral head prosthesis carries the concept of an anatomic reconstruction one step further and enables the surgeon to adjust the inclination and the eccentric offset of the humeral head to restore the centre of rotation. The latest development in shoulder arthroplasty are humeral head prosthesis with a fully variable 3-dimensional modularity to independently adjust the prosthestic head position regardless of the individual shaft geometry. This achieves a 3-dimensional adaptability of the prosthetic head about the stem axis in the coronary and in the sagittal plane. Besides of the humeral shaft prosthesis an alternative concept of shoulder joint replacement is established – the replacement of the humeral head articular surface. A hemispheric surface prosthesis – cup arthroplasty – is cemented onto the residual humeral head, which eliminates the obligatory humeral head resection and the reaming of the medullary canal. Bipolar shoulder prosthesis are humeral shaft prosthesis with a bi-rotational head system. Their indication is limited to pre-existing lesions of the rotator cuff and/or the glenoid surface. The inverse total shoulder prosthesis reverses the articular surface morphology of the humeral head and the glenoid. The hemispheric glenoid component serves as the centre of rotation for the concave epiphyseal proximal humerus component. This implant is especially used in cases of massive rotator cuff deficiences. The role of shoulder prosthesis in treating acute humeral head fractures needs special consideration. A fracture prosthesis has to restore the exact length of the humerus, the centre of rotation, and the anatomical retroversion. Positioning of the tubercula and their adequate osteosynthesis is most critical and fundamental to ensure a correct healing process. A failed consolidation of the tubercula does not lead to a satisfying result. The shoulder joint replacement can be sufficiently fixated in cemented, cementless or hybrid techniques. Today several component design variations of cemented glenoid implants exist. Their main distinction is the fixation system which can be divided into two main groups – the keel – and the peg-shaped glenoid components. The peg-shaped anchorage system shall guarantee a greater stability against shear-forces. Cementless glenoid components consist of a polyethylen inlay and a surface treated metal-back with an integrated fixation system. These fixation systems are object of intensive biomechanical research and range from conventional screw fixation to specialised cone systems and self-cutting cage-screw-systems. The critical area of cementless glenoid components is the transition zone of the PE-inlay and the metal-back because of high force development. The question of implanting a hemi- or total shoulder prosthesis is answered by the morphologic changes of the glenoid articular surface, which includes the size of the subchondral defect and the underlying etiology of the shoulder joint disease, and the age of the patient. Preoperative planning must consist of an adequate radiologic work-up – X-ray, CT or MRI – to accurately assess the glenoid morphology. G. Walch categorised the different glenoid lesions and developed a very important classification of possible glenoid deformations. To compare and evaluate the operative results one must consider the different shoulder prosthesis and the discrepancies between a hemi- and a total shoulder prosthetic replacement. Looking at the loosening and survival rate of the implant the results are related to the type of prosthesis and the preoperative diagnosis. The Neer total shoulder prosthesis has a 15 year survival rate of 87 %, compared to 74 % of the hemi-prosthesis. The objective for the future has to be to further advance the development of prosthetic components, especially for primary joint replacement in acute humeral head fractures. Another point of interest is how to reduce the still existing high loosening rates of the glenoid components. A fairly new research-field is the computer-assisted surgery, e. g. navigation systems and robotics. The computer-assisted navigation could be of great advantage to accurately find the individual resection plane (inclination and restroversion) of the humeral head. The use of a surgery-robot could be very helpful to reproducibly achieve the desired conformity of the articular surface when preparing the glenoid.     

Current status and perspectives of shoulder replacement

Summary Basis of the modern shoulder implants is the Neer II-system, a non constrained total shoulder prosthesis with conforming radii of curvature and improved protection against dislocation. The second generation of shoulder prosthesis is based on the geometric shaft design of the Neer II prosthesis and offers not only a variety of modular head- and shaft-sizes but also through different radii a physiologic rotation-translation-mechanism. The third generation of humeral head prosthesis carries the concept of an anatomic reconstruction one step further and enables the surgeon to adjust the inclination and the eccentric offset of the humeral head to restore the centre of rotation. The latest development in shoulder arthroplasty are humeral head prosthesis with a fully variable 3-dimensional modularity to independently adjust the prosthestic head position regardless of the individual shaft geometry. This achieves a 3-dimensional adaptability of the prosthetic head about the stem axis in the coronary and in the sagittal plane. Besides of the humeral shaft prosthesis an alternative concept of shoulder joint replacement is established – the replacement of the humeral head articular surface. A hemispheric surface prosthesis – cup arthroplasty – is cemented onto the residual humeral head, which eliminates the obligatory humeral head resection and the reaming of the medullary canal. Bipolar shoulder prosthesis are humeral shaft prosthesis with a bi-rotational head system. Their indication is limited to pre-existing lesions of the rotator cuff and/or the glenoid surface. The inverse total shoulder prosthesis reverses the articular surface morphology of the humeral head and the glenoid. The hemispheric glenoid component serves as the centre of rotation for the concave epiphyseal proximal humerus component. This implant is especially used in cases of massive rotator cuff deficiences. The role of shoulder prosthesis in treating acute humeral head fractures needs special consideration. A fracture prosthesis has to restore the exact length of the humerus, the centre of rotation, and the anatomical retroversion. Positioning of the tubercula and their adequate osteosynthesis is most critical and fundamental to ensure a correct healing process. A failed consolidation of the tubercula does not lead to a satisfying result. The shoulder joint replacement can be sufficiently fixated in cemented, cementless or hybrid techniques. Today several component design variations of cemented glenoid implants exist. Their main distinction is the fixation system which can be divided into two main groups – the keel – and the peg-shaped glenoid components. The peg-shaped anchorage system shall guarantee a greater stability against shear-forces. Cementless glenoid components consist of a polyethylen inlay and a surface treated metal-back with an integrated fixation system. These fixation systems are object of intensive biomechanical research and range from conventional screw fixation to specialised cone systems and self-cutting cage-screw-systems. The critical area of cementless glenoid components is the transition zone of the PE-inlay and the metal-back because of high force development. The question of implanting a hemi- or total shoulder prosthesis is answered by the morphologic changes of the glenoid articular surface, which includes the size of the subchondral defect and the underlying etiology of the shoulder joint disease, and the age of the patient. Preoperative planning must consist of an adequate radiologic work-up – X-ray, CT or MRI – to accurately assess the glenoid morphology. G. Walch categorised the different glenoid lesions and developed a very important classification of possible glenoid deformations. To compare and evaluate the operative results one must consider the different shoulder prosthesis and the discrepancies between a hemi- and a total shoulder prosthetic replacement. Looking at the loosening and survival rate of the implant the results are related to the type of prosthesis and the preoperative diagnosis. The Neer total shoulder prosthesis has a 15 year survival rate of 87 %, compared to 74 % of the hemi-prosthesis. The objective for the future has to be to further advance the development of prosthetic components, especially for primary joint replacement in acute humeral head fractures. Another point of interest is how to reduce the still existing high loosening rates of the glenoid components. A fairly new research-field is the computer-assisted surgery, e. g. navigation systems and robotics. The computer-assisted navigation could be of great advantage to accurately find the individual resection plane (inclination and restroversion) of the humeral head. The use of a surgery-robot could be very helpful to reproducibly achieve the desired conformity of the articular surface when preparing the glenoid.      

The reverse shoulder prosthesis for primary and secondary treatment of proximal humeral fractures: a case report

Humeral head fractures are very common among elderly people, often requiring shoulder arthroplasty. One requirement for good function after shoulder arthroplasty is an intact or at least reparable rotator cuff. In patients with multifractured and or osteoporotic tuberosities, refixation leads to the potential risk of redislocation and resorption of the tuberosities or coexisting irreparable rotator cuff tears lead to a high failure rate after implantation of traditional fracture prosthesis, whereas the reverse shoulder arthroplasty may provide better outcome. Here we report of a 79-year-old woman, who fractured both humeral heads at different times. Her right side was treated with a fracture prosthesis, which had to be converted after 2 years to a reverse shoulder prosthesis. Because of coexisting irreversible rotator cuff tear accompanying the second humeral head fracture on her left side, this patient was primarily treated with a reverse shoulder prosthesis. During the most recent follow up, 33 months after reverse shoulder arthroplasty on the left side and 39 months on the right side, the age- and gender-adapted constant score was 88 compared to 59 on the right side. The primary or secondary implantation of the reverse shoulder prosthesis in proximal humeral fractures has to be planned carefully, since long-term results are still lacking and treatment options after failed reverse shoulder arthroplasty are few. Generally, primary implantation of traditional fracture prosthesis is indicated in most cases of humeral head fractures; but in carefully selected cases primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty may be superior and lead to better outcome. Therefore, future research should be conducted to find criteria where the reverse shoulder arthroplasty is indicated as first line treatment of proximal humeral head fractures in elderly patients.     

肱骨近端粉碎骨折锁定钢板与人工肱骨头置换术的对比研究

目的探讨应用肱骨近端锁定钢板和人工肱骨头置换治疗肱骨近端复杂骨折的近期疗效。方法回顾性分析我科自2006年1月至2009年12月期间采用肱骨近端锁定钢板和人工肱骨头置换治疗Neer三、四部分肱骨近端骨折患者37例,行肱骨近端锁定钢板治疗肱骨近端骨折20例,其中Neer三部分骨折14例,四部分骨折6例;人工肱骨头置换治疗肱骨近端骨折17例,均为四部分骨折。采用Neer评分标准从疼痛、活动、功能等方面评定两组疗效。结果平均随访时间为20个月（12～30个月）。内固定组优良率为83．3％,置换组优良率为87．5％,两组比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。结论锁定钢板与人工肱骨头置换在治疗肱骨近端粉碎骨折均能达到满意的疗效,但对于骨折严重粉碎无法重建的肱骨近端骨折,尤其伴有严重骨质疏松的老年患者,人工肱骨头置换仍是最佳选择。     

半肩置换治疗肱骨近端粉碎性骨折的研究进展

肱骨近端骨折多见于中老年骨质疏松患者,其多采用半肩置换术进行治疗。如果骨折造成肱骨近端的骨性标志破坏、术中假体的高度及后旋角度难以确定、以及术后大小结节未达到解剖复位及骨性愈合等可影响肩关节置换术后的疗效。因此,对于肱骨近端骨折的治疗,需熟练掌握肩关节的解剖关系、力学机制、肩关节特殊的重建技术,并制订周密的术前规划才可以降低并发症的发生率。现就近几年来肩关节置换术治疗肱骨近端骨折的情况予以综述。     

人工肱骨头置换治疗肱骨近端4部分骨折及骨折脱位

目的：探讨应用人工肱骨头置换治疗肱骨近端4部分骨折及骨折脱位的近期疗效。方法：25例肱骨近端4部分骨折及骨折脱位的患者,男11例,女14例;年龄56～77岁,平均68.2岁;均行人工肱骨头置换治疗。应用Neer疗效评分系统,根据患者疼痛、功能、肩关节活动范围评价术后疗效。结果：术后随访12～40个月,平均29.3个月。所有病例术后均无感染、神经损伤、假体周围骨折、假体松动、脱位等并发症。Neer评分优8例,良11例,可6例,优良率76%。结论：通过标准的手术操作及术后积极合理的康复锻炼,人工肱骨头置换治疗肱骨近端4部分骨折及骨折脱位近期疗效满意。     

肱骨近端Neer 3部分或4部分骨折治疗的加速康复研究

目的研究加速康复理念在严重肱骨近端骨折治疗中应用的意义。 方法成都大学附属医院2017年1月至2020年1月应用加速康复方法治疗37例Neer分型属于3部分或4部分骨折的肱骨近端骨折患者,其中采用骨折切开复位内固定术29例（内固定组）、人工肱骨头置换手术8例（关节置换组）。从手术时间、术中出血量、手术操作难度、术后患者骨愈合情况以及术后肩关节功能情况进行对比分析,评估手术治疗疗效并总结手术治疗体会及加速康复经验。 结果内固定组和关节置换组患者在平均手术时间、平均出血量、平均住院时间和引流管放置时间上差异无统计学意义。加速康复理念始终贯穿于术前病情评估、术中细节处理、术后功能锻炼等整个治疗过程中。术后随访,内固定组有27例术后3个月时达到骨愈合,1例因术后2个月时外伤再发骨折行翻修手术,1例发生骨折延迟愈合,予患肢悬吊,术后5个月时达到骨愈合。关节置换组8例患者均在术后3 ~ 4个月达到术后骨性愈合,术后无肩峰骨折及肩胛骨骨折病例。两组患者术后视觉模拟评分无显著差异,内固定组患肢肩关节功能评分在术后3个月、6个月及1年时明显优于关节置换组（P<0.05）。 结论严重的肱骨近端骨折应根据不同的骨折类型选择手术方案。加速康复治疗理念自始至终贯穿于肱骨近端骨折的诊治过程中,对术后疗效影响显著。     

复杂肱骨近端骨折人工肱骨头置换术中肩袖重建的长期疗效观察

目的探讨Neer 3、4部分肱骨近端骨折人工肱骨头置换术中肩袖重建的远期临床效果。方法回顾性分析自2001-01—2012-12采用人工肱骨头置换术治疗的25例Neer 3、4部分肱骨近端骨折。术前测量健侧大结节最低点至肱骨头最高点的距离,术中尽量解剖复位肱骨大、小结节,合理控制假体高度及后倾角度,尽可能修复重建损伤肩袖,术后分阶段康复锻炼。结果本组22例获得有效随访,随访时间平均120(49~190)个月。末次随访时ASES评分为80~92(86.28±3.36)分,肩关节内旋至T10水平,患肢主动前屈上举125°~135°,外旋36°~42°。1例合并臂丛神经损伤者术后肩关节功能恢复满意。结论对于骨折端无法良好复位、肱骨头缺血性坏死可能性大的复杂肱骨近端骨折,人工肱骨头置换同时进行精细的肩袖重建可以获得无痛和良好运动范围的肩关节。     

人工肱骨头置换术治疗严重肩关节病损的临床研究

目的：探讨人工肱骨头置换术治疗严重肩关节病损的适应证、手术技术要点和早期疗效。方法：2004年6月至2008年1月,采用人工肱骨头置换治疗肩关节病损35例,其中肱骨近端复杂骨折28例,肱骨近端骨巨细胞瘤4例,肱骨头坏死3例。所有患者进行8～57个月（平均21个月）的随访,并应用Neer肩关节评分系统进行评定人工关节功能。结果：术后未发生感染、神经损伤、关节脱位和假体周围骨折,无假体松动下沉及断裂。30例患者能较好地完成梳头和穿衣动作,3例较困难,2例不能完成。Neer评分平均为85．5分,90分以上（优）22例,80～89分（满意）8例,70-79分（不满意）5例,满意率为85．7％。结论：在正确选择适应证、掌握手术技术以及合理的术后康复等前提下,人工肱骨头置换治疗肩关节病损是一种可靠的满意的方法,能较好地恢复肩关节功能,缩短疗程。对一部分依从性较差的患者,在恢复肩关节活动度方面仍欠满意,应加强术后关节康复训练的指导工作。     

Plating in Proximal Humeral Fractures

Abstract Improved imaging, updated knowledge regarding humeral head perfusion and adapted fixation techniques with implants having better purchase also in osteopenic bone, have influenced the treatment of proximal humeral fractures in recent years. Demographic evolution and a more active population even among the older age groups will increase the incidence of this fracture, which is already the third most frequent fracture after hip and distal radius fractures in elderly patients. Long-term morbidity related to the treatment of these fractures like avascular humeral head necrosis, non-union, malunion, shoulder stiffness, persistent pain and functional disability are the challenging factors to be overcome. Plate osteosynthesis with angular stable implants have shown to address some of these problems and to broaden the spectrum of indication towards anatomic fracture stabilization even for severely displaced three- and four-part fractures instead of replacing the humeral head with an endoprosthesis, as long as a stable fixation is possible. Open access surgery is often needed for anatomic reconstruction of complex and displaced fractures. This calls for immediate postoperative mobilization with active-assisted ROM exercise to prevent subdeltoidal adhesions. Even though plating of proximal humeral fractures with angular stable implants has shown promising first clinical results, there still remain elevated complication rates especially in the elderly osteoporotic patient population. Recent clinical reports using angular stable plates provided only data with a low level of evidence to help in decision-making. The comparison with historical series using non-angular stable plates in respect to the long-term morbidity should help to better evaluate the value of locked plates inserted with less-extensive soft-tissue exposure.     

The reverse shoulder prosthesis (Delta III) in acute shoulder fractures: technical considerations with respect to stability

The reverse shoulder prosthesis reverses the relationship between the scapular and humeral component, resulting in a mechanical advantage as the deltoid muscle is able to compensate for the rotator cuff deficiency. Based on this mechanical advantage, the reverse shoulder prosthesis has become an accepted alternative for the treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures. The purpose of this article is to discuss technical considerations related to stability in the use of the reverse shoulder prosthesis in acute shoulder fractures, based on clinical experience.     

Radial Head Fractures: Indications and Technique for Primary Arthroplasty

Abstract The treatment of complex radial head fractures remains a challenge for the orthopedic surgeon. Novel implants and improved surgical techniques have made reconstruction of the radial head with open reduction and internal fixation possible in most cases. However, extremely comminuted radial head fractures with associated instabilities still require replacement of the radial head with a prosthesis to allow rehabilitation with early motion of the elbow, and thereby optimizing the functional results of these potentially devastating injuries. In this article we discuss the surgical considerations related to radial head replacement, encompassing the indications for radial head arthroplasty, implant selection, surgical technique, rehabilitation protocols, and complications related to radial head prosthesis.     

Position of shoulder arthroplasty and clinical outcome in proximal humerus fractures

Four-part proximal humeral fractures are frequently treated with shoulder replacement. Outcome of this procedure has not been standardized, and there are controversy data on range of motion (ROM) and active function of the shoulder. The aim of this study is to compare shoulder prosthesis position (SPP) in terms of version of humeral head and height of stem with clinical subjective and objective outcome. Fifty patients were treated with shoulder hemiarthroplasty for four-part proximal humeral fracture or fracture-dislocation of the humeral head. Radiological examination and CT-scan were performed preoperatively and at follow-up. Clinical outcome evaluation included active and passive ROM, and subjective perspective collected through SF-36, OSQ, ASES, and DASH. No significant correlation between stem height and clinical outcome were found. The prosthesis version correlates with all subjective questionnaires. The ROM was not correlated with stem height and prosthesis version. SPP involves clinical outcome, with great relevance of implant version.     

Position of shoulder arthroplasty and clinical outcome in proximal humerus fractures

Four-part proximal humeral fractures are frequently treated with shoulder replacement. Outcome of this procedure has not been standardized, and there are controversy data on range of motion (ROM) and active function of the shoulder. The aim of this study is to compare shoulder prosthesis position (SPP) in terms of version of humeral head and height of stem with clinical subjective and objective outcome. Fifty patients were treated with shoulder hemiarthroplasty for four-part proximal humeral fracture or fracture-dislocation of the humeral head. Radiological examination and CT-scan were performed preoperatively and at follow-up. Clinical outcome evaluation included active and passive ROM, and subjective perspective collected through SF-36, OSQ, ASES, and DASH. No significant correlation between stem height and clinical outcome were found. The prosthesis version correlates with all subjective questionnaires. The ROM was not correlated with stem height and prosthesis version. SPP involves clinical outcome, with great relevance of implant version.     

Proximal humeral fractures treated with arthroplasty

P74ro50x%iyme aaolrfs h houulmdm.eer raAalfl t effrrraa cactgtuuerr ee5ss0,ainc wc oopumanteiten nf othsra vomeldo reaer m tthhucaanhnhigher incidence of proximal humeral fractures thanmen.In patients younger than50years old,high-energy trauma is the most common cause of proximalhumeral fractures,and after age50,minimal-to-moderate trauma is the most common cause.1Neer s classification,the most popularclassification system for proximal humeral fractures,isbased on the anatomical relationship o…     

肱骨近端复杂骨折的治疗策略

目的探讨肱骨近端复杂骨折的合理治疗策略,明确治疗方法和具体治疗手段。方法回顾总结32例肱骨近端复杂骨折病例资料。按Neer四部分骨折分类：一或二部分骨折8例采用保守治疗,18例[三部分骨折14例（其中4例伴肩关节脱位并有3例合并臂丛神经损伤）、四部分骨折4例]采用切开复位解剖型LC—DCP钢板内固定,6例（四部分骨折伴脱位）采用人工肱骨头假体置换术。结果32例均获随访,时问6～36个月,平均16个月。Constant Functional Score总体平均评分80．7分,总体优良率75％。无一例肱骨头坏死和关节脱位发生。结论对于肱骨近端复杂骨折只要根据骨折具体情况严格分型并选用合理治疗手段,术中充分保留肱骨头血供,有效修复肩袖和大小结节,坚强骨折内固定,尽早合理的关节功能锻炼,可以达到满意的治疗效果。     

A new prosthetic design for proximal humeral fractures: reconstructing the glenohumeral unit

A new shoulder prosthesis design for proximal humeral fractures has been developed. The rim of the articular component of this prosthesis has several holes to which the bone-tendon junction of the rotator cuff is fixed, to allow an anatomic reconstruction of the glenohumeral unit. The strength of the tuberosity fixation to this prosthesis is investigated in a cadaveric study. Artificial 4-part fractures were created in 18 human, fresh-frozen, paired shoulder joints with intact rotator cuffs. Two methods of tuberosity fixation were used in a matched-pair fashion. In group I the tuberosities were sutured to the rim of the prosthetic head, and in group II the tuberosities were circumferentially tension band-wired. Strength testing was performed on a material-testing machine, and displacement was recorded with an opto-electronic device. Both fixation methods proved to be equally reliable in the forces exerted during activities of daily living without significant displacement of the fracture fragments.     

Versorgung periprothetischer und periimplant?rer Frakturen

Periprosthetic fractures are increasing not only due to the demographic development with high life expectancy, the increase in osteoporosis and increased prosthesis implantation but also due to increased activity of the elderly population. The therapeutic algorithms are manifold but general valid rules for severe fractures are not available. The most commonly occurring periprosthetic fractures are proximal and distal femoral fractures but in the clinical routine fractures of the tibial head, ankle, shoulder, elbow and on the borders to other implants (peri-implant fractures) and complex interprosthetic fractures are being seen increasingly more. It is to be expected that in the mid-term further options, such as cement augmentation of cannulated polyaxial locking screws will extend the portfolio of implants for treatment of periprosthetic fractures. The aim of this review article is to present the new procedures for osteosynthesis of periprosthetic fractures.     

肱骨近端骨折肱骨头置换假体高度的控制

目的:评估利用大结节骨折片复位的方法,确定肱骨近端骨折肱骨头置换假体高度的临床疗效。方法:回顾性研究2015年1月至2019年12月收治并获得随访的肱骨近端骨折患者,符合肱骨头置换指征19例,男7例,女12例;左侧8例,右侧11例;年龄58~84(71.5±5.8)岁;受伤至手术时间3~18(7.9±4.3) d。根据Neer分型,3部分骨折伴脱位2例,4部分骨折17例,其中伴肱骨头脱位6例,肱骨头劈裂2例。19例采用组配式肱骨头假体,在手术过程中,试复位肱骨大结节骨折块,确定肱骨大结节顶点到肱骨标记点的距离,以此距离作为假体高度的标准。术后1年采用Constant-Murley评分,美国加州大学洛杉矶分校(University of California,Los Angeles,UCLA)肩关节评分评价肩关节功能状况及患者满意度。结果:19例均获随访,时间12~58(31.9±14.2)个月。测量手术后上臂长度26~32 cm,双侧比较误差<0.5 cm。术后3个月肩关节正侧位X线片示骨折均愈合。术后1年Constant-Murley评分(80.8±8.9)分,UCLA评分(27.9±4.8)分。术后1年患者满意度89.5%(17/19)。结论:肱骨近端骨折肱骨头假体置换手术过程中,试复位肱骨大结节骨折块,确定肱骨大结节顶点到肱骨标记点的距离,以此距离确定假体高度,方法简单准确,临床效果良好。     

Fractures adjacent to humeral prostheses.

In a review of records and radiographs from 1974 through 1988, we identified seven patients who had a humeral fracture after either a total shoulder replacement or a shoulder hemiarthroplasty. All seven patients had complications after the fracture, and five fractures did not unite until an operation was done. All of the fractures that were treated operatively healed without sequelae. Four patients who were managed operatively had satisfactory relief of pain and one had fair relief. One patient who had a non-union refused further treatment for medical reasons. The one fracture that united without operative treatment healed with the tip of the prosthesis outside of the humeral shaft, but persistent pain led to a revision total shoulder replacement. The average time to union after the operation was approximately five months (range, four to seven months). There was a permanent decrease in the motion of the shoulder from preinjury levels in five of the six patients who had union of the fracture.