Prosthetic replacement of the proximal humerus.

Eighteen patients had prosthetic proximal humeral replacement with either a metal or ceramic prosthesis. Three replacements were performed for fracture nonunions, five for benign neoplasms, six for low-grade malignancies, and four for high-grade malignancies. Retention of elbow and hand function was good. In five of the 11 ceramic prostheses, failure occurred at the humeral-prosthetic junction even though it was designed for biologic fixation. Ten of 18 prostheses subluxated or dislocated. Twelve of 18 patients have had revision operations. While the revision rate in this initial series was high, valuable experience was gained for further investigations of shoulder arthroplasty.