OUTCOME AFTER HEMIARTHROPLASTY FOR 3-PART AND 4-PART FRACTURES OF THEPROXIMAL HUMERUS

We reviewed 27 patients who had sustained displaced three- or four-par t fractures of the proximal humerus and who were treated with a humera l hemiarthroplasty. Seventeen patients had a three-part fracture, and 10 had a Four-part fracture. The mean follow-up period was 39 months ( 12 to 94 months). All Fractures were classified according to Neer's cl assification. The Constant score was used For their follow-up evaluati on. The median Constant score at follow-up was 51 for the three-port f ractures and 46 for the four-part fractures. The median range of movem ent for all the patients in flexion was 70 degrees, abduction 70 degre es, internal rotation 50 degrees, and external rotation 45 degrees. Ni ne patients still had moderate or severe pain. Eight patients had mode rate or severe disability. Our results were disappointing, and further studies on open reduction and fixation are therefore justified.