OBJECTIVETo evaluate the short-term results of humeral head replacement for the treatment of four-part proximal humeral fractures or fracture-dislocations.

METHODSTwenty-five patients (11 male and 14 female)with four-part proximal humeral fractures or fracture-dislocations underwent humeral head replacement. The average age was 68.2 years (ranging from 56 to 77 years). All cases were followed up and evaluated the clinical results including pain, function and range of motion of shoulder with Neer scoring system.

RESULTSThe follow-up ranged from 12 to 40 months with an average time of 29.3 months. No prosthesis loosening, prosthesis dislocation, postoperative infection, nerve injury or periprosthesis fractures occurred. The results were excellent in 8 cases, good in 11 cases and fair in 6 cases. The excellent and good rate was 76% according to Neer scoring system.

CONCLUSIONReplacement of humeral head prosthesis could attain good short-term results for four-part proximal humeral fractures or fracture-dislocations. The key to improve the postoperative results is meticulous surgical techniques and appropriate correct consecutive physical therapy.