REVERSE TOTAL SHOULDER ARTHROPLASTY FOR THE TREATMENT OF COMPLEX PROXIMAL HUMERAL FRACTURES OR DELAYED PRESENTATION OF DISLOCATION: AN UPDATE

IntroductionThe use of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is becoming increasingly common in the treatment of rotator cuff arthropathy. In recent years indications for use have expanded to include elderly patients in whom either internal fixation is not possible due to fracture configuration, poor bone quality, or presence of a rotator cuff deficiency. There is however relatively little evidence to support its use in these circumstances.ObjectiveThis study aims to assess the viability of RSA as a salvage procedure in the treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures or irreducible dislocations, quantified in terms of functional outcome, complication rates and patient reported satisfaction.MethodsAll patients presenting between January 2011 and December 2013 with a complex 3- or 4-part humeral fracture or a delayed presentation with an irreducible non-acute dislocation, treated with salvage RSA were eligible for inclusion. All operations were performed in a single centre by one of two specialist u...