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Objective To evaluate the short term results of shoulder hemi-arthroplasty. Methods Twenty-one patients with comminuted intra-articular fracture of proximal humerus underwent Neer type (Link, Germany) humeral head replacement from August 2000 to January 2004, which involved 5 males and 16 females,with an average age of 70 years (range, 64-76 years). According to AO M?ller classification, 3 cases were of C1 type, 8 C2 type, and 10 C3 type. The important steps of the procedure included insertion of the prosthesis in 40 degree retroversion and reconstruction of the rotary cuff of shoulder. The rehabilitation training course was divided into three stages. The patients were trained passively in the first stage (1 day-6 weeks); The muscles around the shoulder undertook isometric contraction once the bone fusion of greater and lesser tuberosity were obtained on X-ray for the second stage (7 -12 weeks); The improvement of the muscle strength and ROM of the shoulder were targeted throughout the third stage (13-24 weeks). All cases were followed up with Neer's scoring system comprising the symptoms, function, range of motion (ROM) of shoulder, and position of the prosthesis. Results The follow-up was performed twice a month within one year postoperatively, and one time three months after that.The mean duration of follow-up was 34.5 months (range, 14 to 55 months). Only slight pain was complained occasionally in 4 cases. No difficulty in active daily life was found in 21 cases .The average ROM of shoulder was flexion 115?(range, 65?-165?),extension 42.5?(15?-70?),abduction 85?(50?-120?), adduction 32.5?(20?-45?), external rotation 40?(20?-60?),and internal rotation 50?(10?-90?). No dislocation or subluxation of shoulder occurred in all cases. Assessed by Neer's scoring system, 8 cases were rated as excellent, 9 as good, 3 as fair and 1 as poor. The excellent and good rate was 80.9%. The patients' satisfactory rate was 90%. Conclusion The shoulder hemi-arthroplasty show good short term results for comminuted intra-articular fractures of the proximal humerus. The key points to improve the postoperative results are presented as follows: less invasive technique, appropriate retroversion angle for humeral head prosthesis, very solid reconstruction for rotary cuff of shoulder, and correct consecutive physical therapy after surgery.