Hemiarthroplasty versus reverse shoulder arthroplasty for treatment of proximal humeral fractures: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: We performed a meta-analysis of studies with at least Level IV evidence to compare outcomes between hemiarthroplasty and reverse shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of proximal humeral fractures.

METHODS: Three electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane, and EMBASE) were searched. The quality of each study was investigated, and data on radiographic and functional outcomes were extracted and analyzed.

RESULTS: The analysis included 1 Level I study, 1 Level II study, 3 Level III studies, and 2 Level IV studies. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty was more favorable than hemiarthroplasty in forward elevation (P < .001), abduction (P < .001), tuberosity healing (P = .002), Constant score (P < .001), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (P < .001), and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (P = .001). Only external rotation (P = .85) was not in favor of reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

CONCLUSIONS: The available literature suggests that reverse shoulder arthroplasty performed to address complex proximal humeral fractures might result in more favorable clinical outcomes than hemiarthroplasty performed for the same indication.