[Indication and technique for shoulder endoprostheses in fractures].

In the treatment of fractures of the humeral head, prosthetic replacement today is accepted as part of the therapeutic repertoire. The indication for this procedure is given if alternative conservative or operative techniques of preserving the humeral head in hemiarthroplasty of the shoulder joint led to universally poor outcomes. The models of endoprostheses that are currently available on the market mainly differ in the stem fixation method and means of securing the tuberosities and rotator cuff. Functional outcome of hemiarthroplasty of the shoulder joint after trauma is less than satisfactory regardless of the type of implant. However, a stable, painless joint is obtained yielding satisfactory subjective patient outcomes. For correct indications for prosthetic replacement of a fractured humeral head the surgeon also has to know the results that can be achieved by other methods in a given situation.