Delta III reverse-ball-and-socket total shoulder prosthesis for acute complex fractures of the proximal humerus in elderly population

Background The Delta III semi-constrained reverse-ball-and-socket total shoulder prosthesis works only with an intact deltoid muscle. Our purpose is to evaluate the results in a consecutive series of acute complex fractures of the proximal humerus in elderly population with a poor bone quality when the main problem is to obtain a reliable and efficient re-fixation of the tubercles with classical orthopaedic devices. Methods From 1993 to 2005, 36 Delta III were implanted, 27 three-part, and four-part displacements and nine fracture-dislocations, in 3 males for 33 females, for 16 dominant sides, with an average age of 75 years. The surgery was realized under general anaesthesia, in semi-sitting position, by an antero-lateral approach with retroversion of the humeral-cemented stem of 20° to 0°. Post-operative physiotherapy was not always realizable. Results The results were estimated with the clinical Constant scoring system, AP and lateral view X-rays. Twenty-five cases were reviewed because nine were deceased and two moved out. At a mean follow-up of 71 months, the Constant score was 59 points for a contra-lateral shoulder evaluated at 81. The results were good in respect of pain (14.1), activity (14.3), strength (14.1), anterior elevation (7.5), abduction (6.5), but very poor for external (1.1), and internal (1.4) rotations. The radiographs showed: one aseptic glenoid loosening at 12-year follow-up with surgical revision, 14 inferior scapular notching (seven stages 1, five stages 2, one stage 3, one stage 4), 14 inferior spurs stable after emergence without clinical repercussion, four medial and two lateral proximal humeral bone loose, and two medial humeral lucent lines. Conclusions For acute complex fractures of the proximal humerus, in elderly population with poor bone quality, when an efficient and reliable re-fixation of the tubercles is difficult or impossible, the Delta III prosthesis is a possible alternative with good functional outcome except rotations but with a lot of worrying inferior scapular notching.