Reverse shoulder arthroplasty for recent proximal humerus fractures: Outcomes in 422 cases.

BACKGROUND: The ageing of the population is steadily increasing the frequency of displaced proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) in elderly patients. The last decade has seen a shift from hemi-arthroplasty (HA) to reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) in these patients. The primary objective of this study was to assess short- and long-term outcomes of RSA in a large cohort of elderly patients with recent PHFs. The secondary objectives were to evaluate radiological outcomes and short- and long-term morbidity and mortality rates. HYPOTHESIS: Outcomes of RSA to treat PHFs in older patients are satisfactory, reliable, and sustained over time. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective multi-centre study included 898 patients with a mean age of 79 years, among whom 422 underwent a standardised clinical and radiological evaluation at least 1 year after RSA. Some patients were re-evaluated twice. An evaluation within the first 5 years was available for 420 patients (≤5-Y group), whereas 119 patients were re-evaluated more than 5 years after RSA (>5-Y group). Some patients had one re-evaluation either within or after 5 years and others had both an early and a late re-evaluation; thus the total number of re-evaluation was greater than the number of patients. RESULTS: Mean active forward elevation was 115°±29°, mean external rotation with the elbow by the side was 17°±19°, mean internal rotation (hand-to-back) was 4.3±2.5 points, mean absolute Constant score was 57±15, and mean Subjective Shoulder Value was 70%±18%. Re-implantation of the tuberosities followed by healing in the anatomical position was associated with significantly better outcomes, notably regarding rotations. Even in the absence of healing in the anatomical position, tuberosity repair was associated with better clinical outcomes compared to tuberosity excision. Humeral loosening occurred in 3.5% of patients and was associated with tuberosity excision. Glenoid loosening was seen in 3.5% of patients and was associated with superior tilt of the glenoid component. The main complication was prosthesis instability, which occurred in 2.5% of patients, a proportion similar to that seen in the general population. Post-operative patient survival was not significantly different from that in the general population of the same age. Prosthesis survival was 91% after 20 years. CONCLUSION: Clinical outcomes of RSA for PHF in elderly patients were not only satisfactory but also reproducible and sustained over time. Tuberosity re-implantation around the prosthesis is the key step for optimising the functional outcomes, notably by restoring rotations and decreasing the risk of complications (prosthesis instability and humeral loosening). LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective observational study.

CT scan evaluation of glenoid bone and pectoralis major tendon: interest in shoulder prosthesis.

INTRODUCTION: The shoulder arthroplasty brings satisfaction to patients in terms of quality of life and indolence. However whether anatomic implant or reverse, it does not escape from the loosening of the glenoid component. Moreover, optimal implantation is required to ensure the functional outcome without shortening of the arm. The purpose of this study is obtain CT scan evaluation of the glenoid bone stock in order to optimize glenoid component implantation and obtain a reference to determine optimal humeral component placement in case of humeral proximal fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2010 and 2011 we have analyzed 200 intact shoulder's CT. We measured maximal and minimal width in the transverse plane of the glenoid, the distance from the pectoralis major (PM) tendon to the humeral head, the greater tubercle, change of curvature and the anatomical neck. RESULTS: Mean maximum width was 27.4 ± 3.4 mm and mean minimum width was 15.5 ± 2.8 mm. Distances between upper edge of PM tendon to: humeral head, greater tubercle, change of curvature and anatomical neck were respectively: 67.6 ± 9.98 mm, 57.8 ± 10.3 mm, 28.7 ± 9 mm, and 34.2 ± 9.7 mm. CONCLUSION: Our study has produced an assessment of glenoid bone stock for optimal positioning of the glenoid implant but also to obtain a reference to determine the ideal location of the humeral component in the case of proximal humerus fracture.