Indications for prosthetic replacement in proximal humeral fractures.

Prosthetic replacement is a good treatment option in osteoporotic patients with four-part fractures, fracture-dislocations, head-split fractures with more than 40% articular surface involvement, anatomic neck fractures, dislocations present for longer than 6 months, and selected three-part fractures. Early prosthetic replacement of proximal humeral fractures has a better outcome than late reconstructive prosthetic management. Prosthetic design features specific forfracture care have led to a reduction in complications. Techniques will continue to improve as prosthetic design features specific for fractures evolve.