Failed internal fixation of a @entity174 of the proximal humerus produces many challenges with limited surgical options. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes after the use of a reverse shoulder arthroplasty under these circumstances. Between 2007 and 2012, 19 @entity1 (15 @entity1 and four @entity1 , mean age 66 years; 52 to 82) with failed internal fixation after a proximal humeral @entity174 , underwent implant removal and reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). The mean follow-up was 36 months (25 to 60). The mean American Shoulder and Elbow Score improved from 27.8 to 50.1 (p = 0.019). The mean Simple Shoulder Test score improved from 0.7 to 3.2 (p = 0.020), and the mean visual analogue scale for @entity158 improved from 6.8 to 4.3 (p = 0.012). Mean forward flexion improved from 58.7   to 101.1   (p < 0.001), mean abduction from 58.7   to 89.1   (p = 0.012), mean external rotation from 10.7   to 23.1   (p = 0.043) and mean internal rotation from buttocks to L4 (p = 0.034). A major complication was recorded in five @entity1 (26%) (one intra-operative @entity174 , loosening of the humeral component in two and two peri-prosthetic @entity174 ). A total of 15 @entity1 (79%) rated their outcome as excellent or good, one (5%) as satisfactory, and three (16%) as unsatisfactory. An improvement in outcomes and @entity158 can be expected when performing a RSA as a salvage procedure after failed internal fixation of a @entity174 of the proximal humerus. @entity1 should be cautioned about the possibility for major complications following this technically demanding procedure. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:967-72.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty as a salvage procedure after failed internal fixation of XXXX of the proximal humerus: outcomes and complications.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['women', 'Patients', 'patients', 'men'] @entity158 :: ('MESH:D010146', 'Disease') :: ['pain'] @entity174 :: ('MESH:D050723', 'Disease') :: ['fractures', 'fracture']
@entity174 :: (MESH:D050723,Disease) :: ['fractures']
