Introduction. The treatment of complex fractures of the proximal humerus still raises controversy, particularly in those 3 or 4 part fragments fractures, which are at risk for osteosynthesis (poor fixation in poor bone) or for secondary avascular necrosis. Conventional hemi-arthroplasty has currently remained the most common surgical treatment, but the recovery of active mobility remains incomplete and disappointing.

Inverted shoulder arthroplasty has been initially proposed for the treatment of omarthrosis secondary to deficient rotatory cuffs, however its use in acute traumatology has not been yet investigated.

Material and Medthod. We hereby present the results obtained in 43 consecutive patients (41 women and 2 men) which were retrospectively reviewed with a mean follow-up of 21 months (5–58). The mean age was 78 years-old (64–97). There were 5 three-part fractures, 26 four-part fractures and 12 four-part fracture dislocations. All patients were clinically and radiologically assessed, except two, who deceased with incomplete follow-up data.

Results. The clinical outcome was satisfactory with a mean active forward elevation of 97° and a mean active external rotation in abduction (ER 2) of 30°. The mean Constant score was 44 points (16–69). The mean ponderate score was 66% (25–97%). The mean pain score was 12.5/15, the mean activity score was 10.9/20, the mobility score was 17.6/40 and the strength score was 3.6/25. The mean ponderate score of the controlateral shoulder was 105 %(80–130).

The mean ASES score was 9 points (0–19) out of 24. The mean DASH score was 44 points (0–92) out of 100.

Post-operative complications included 3 reflex sympathetic dystrophies, 5 regressive neurological complications, 1 loosening of the deltoid suture, 1 anterior dislocation and 1 acromion fracture. There was no infection.

Radiographs at last follow-up showed peri-prosthetic calcifications in 36 cases, displacements of the tuberosities in 19 cases and scapular notches in 10 cases (1 type III, 3 type II and 6 type I notches). No migration of the prosthetic components was observed.

Discussion. Satisfactory mobility scores can be obtained in the treatment of complex shoulder fractures in the elderly, despite frequent deficiencies of the rotator cuff, whatever their causes, degenerative or traumatic (secondary displacement).

Conclusion. Inverted shoulder arthroplasty might constitute an interesting alternative in the treatment of displaced 3 or 4 part fragment fractures in the elderly over 70. Long term results are required before extending the indications to younger patients or to other types of fracture.

We used an inverted shoulder arthroplasty in 43 consecutive patients with a mean age of 78 years (65 to 97) who had sustained a three- or four-part fracture of the upper humerus. All except two were reviewed with a mean follow-up of 22 months (6 to 58).

The clinical outcome was satisfactory with a mean active anterior elevation of 97° (35° to 160°) and a mean active external rotation in abduction of 30° (0° to 80°). The mean Constant and the mean modified Constant scores were respectively 44 (16 to 69) and 66% (25% to 97%). Complications included three patients with reflex sympathetic dystrophy, five with neurological complications, most of which resolved, and one with an anterior dislocation. Radiography showed peri-prosthetic calcification in 36 patients (90%), displacement of the tuberosities in 19 (53%) and a scapular notch in ten (25%). Compared with conventional hemiarthroplasty, satisfactory mobility was obtained despite frequent migration of the tuberosities. However, long-term results are required before reverse shoulder arthroplasty can be recommended as a routine procedure in complex fractures of the upper humerus in the elderly.