Shoulder hemiarthroplasty at UCLA.

Of fifteen patients who had shoulder hemiarthroplasty between 1979 and 1984, eleven had acute four-part proximal humeral fractures, three had avascular necrosis, and one had osteoarthritis. Ten Designed After Natural Anatomy (DANA) and five Neer prostheses were implanted. Four complications occurred. The mean follow-up period was just under three years (range, 13-69 months). Pain relief was excellent but return of function was less consistent. Postoperative active flexion averaged 99 degrees (range, 20 degrees-150 degrees), abduction averaged 99 degrees (range, 50 degrees-150 degrees), and rotation arc averaged 95 degrees (range, 60 degrees-160 degrees). The results were better for patients with avascular necrosis (AVN) than for patients with shoulder trauma. Pain relief was uniformly excellent for patients in both categories, but only AVN patients consistently regained excellent active motion in their shoulders following hemiarthroplasty.