Reverse shoulder arthroplasty for complex fractures of the proximal humerus in elderly patients: impact on the level of independency, early function, and pain medication

Background This study investigated early functional outcome, quality of life, and the level of independency in elderly patients after primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) for complex fractures of the proximal humerus. Methods This was a prospective case series that included 33 patients, aged ≥70 years, with a high level of independency who received RSA for complex fractures of the humerus (Orthopaedic Trauma Association B2/C) from January 2012 to April 2014. Results Level of independency, quality of life (Short Form 36 Health Survey score), early functional outcome (Constant-Murley score, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Outcome Measure), and pain medication (World Health Organization grading) were obtained at the 6-month follow-up and 1 year after surgery. The Constant-Murley score was 64 ± 14 after 6 months and 71 ± 12 at 1 year ( P