Does primary treatment of proximal humerus fractures show favourable functional outcomes over secondary treatment with reverse shoulder arthroplasty?

Background: This multicentre retrospective cohort study assessed whether functional outcomes after primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) are favourable compared to secondary placement in elderly patients with displaced proximal humerus fractures (PHFs).

Methods: Fifty-three patients with primary and 32 with secondary RSA were included. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were assessed: Constant-Murley Score (CMS), Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).

Fibula allograft in complex three-part and four-part proximal humeral fractures in active patients, a matched case-control study.

Background: About 20% of proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) are unstable and/or markedly displaced and therefore require surgery. Locking plate fixation after anatomical reduction has become the current treatment of choice for these fractures in the active population. However, studies have shown complication rates up to 36%, such as loss of reduction and avascular necrosis.

Surgical learning curve in reverse shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humerus fractures.

Background: Fracture reverse shoulder arthroplasty (fRSA) in geriatric, complex dislocated proximal humerus fractures is becoming the standard treatment next to conservative treatment. fRSA is a multifaceted, reasonably challenging procedure of which functional outcomes and complication rates are likely to depend on the experience of the surgeon. The goal of this study was to determine whether there is a learning curve for fRSA.