11 Review Article Page 1 of 11 Hemiarthroplasty for proximal humerus fracture—a dying art Tyler R. Freeman1, Robin H. Dunn1, Kevin J. W. Ko2, Adam J. Seidl1 1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA; 2Orthopedic Physician Associates, Swedish Orthopedic Institute, Seattle, WA, USA Contributions: (I) Conception and design: TR Freeman, RH Dunn, AJ Seidl; (II) Administrative support: TR Freeman, RH Dunn, AJ Seidl; (III) Provision of study materials or patients: TR Freeman, RH Dunn; (IV) Collection and assembly of data: TR Freeman, RH Dunn; (V) Data analysis and interpretation: TR Freeman, RH Dunn; (VI) Manuscript writing: All authors; (VII) Final approval of manuscript: All authors. Correspondence to: Adam J. Seidl, MD. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Colorado, 12631 E. 17th Avenue, Mail Stop B202 Aurora, CO 80045, USA. Email:
[email protected]. Abstract: Fractures of the proximal humerus comprise 4–5% of all fractures of the appendicular skeleton with a high percentage seen in elderly females. The total incidence of these fractures has increased in recent years. Although a majority of these fractures can be successfully treated non-operatively, hemiarthroplasty has long been a primary surgical alternative. Despite the recent trend towards reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) for proximal humerus fractures, hemiarthroplasty remains a viable and important option in treatment options to consider for patients. This is the treatment of choice for young, active patients with unreconstructable humeral head fractures. In this review, we summarize the indications, surgical techniques, outcomes and complications for hemiarthroplasty for proximal humerus fractures. Primary hemiarthroplasty for proximal humerus fractures has been shown to have mixed results, but it can provide good pain relief and function.