Abstract
Introduction
Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) was traditionally used in treatment of massive rotator cuff arthropathy. In recent years, this surgical modality was adopted to be an alternative in the treatment of acute complex fracture of proximal humerus for geriatric patient and this management is gaining its popularity. This is a local study that aims at comparing the functional outcomes among the two surgical options in treatment of acute complex fracture of proximal humerus (3-parts, 4-parts, and fracture dislocation), i.e. open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), and RSA.
Methods
A retrospective review was conducted on patients aged ≥60 years who underwent RSA or ORIF for acute proximal humeral fractures between 2015 and 2023 at a single local center. Data were extracted from the Clinical Management System. Outcomes included Oxford shoulder score (OSS), range of motion (ROM), revision rates, and intra-operative parameters. This study incorporates computed tomography-based stratification of Neer classification to optimize fracture characterization and ensure appropriate treatment allocation. Statistical analysis employed Chi-square test for categorical comparison, and ANOVA for group comparisons.
Results
60 patients were included (29 ORIF, 31 RSA). RSA patients were older (mean age 77 vs. 67 years, p < 0.001) with higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) scores (p = 0.040). For
Conclusion
RSA is preferable for 4-part fractures due to better functional outcomes, even in older patients with poorer comorbidities. ORIF remains appropriate for 3-part fractures and dislocations, offering comparable outcomes with less operative time and cost. Still, careful case selection, pre-operative planning, good surgical technique, and rehabilitation are the keystones for successful surgery.
Introduction
Acute proximal humeral fracture is the third most common fragility fracture, after hip fracture and distal radius fracture in Hong Kong and its incidence is continually rising due to ageing of population. 1 In order to manage an acute fracture of proximal humerus, orthopedic surgeons have to consider patient's factors such as their premorbid functional status, comorbidities, hand dominance, expected functional demands, and disease factors such as the fracture patterns and classification.
Neer classification is the most commonly used system for classification of the patterns of fracture proximal humerus.2,3 By this classification, the more displaced parts the fracture has, the more complex the fracture is and it is also believed to be associated with a higher risk of avascular necrosis of humeral head2–5 and poorer functional outcome scores after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). 6 Besides Neer classification, ones can also predict the risk of AVN by using the Hertel criteria. 7 If the risk of AVN is high, surgeons, therefore, may reasonably prefer shoulder arthroplasty to internal fixation. 7
Non-displaced or minimally displaced fracture of proximal humerus can be treated with conservative treatment with satisfactory outcomes while for Surgical management is typically recommended for patients with acute proximal humeral fracture involving Neer type 3 or 4, fracture dislocation, or head-splitting pattern as it can result in improved functional outcomes and quality of life.8–10 The options of surgical management included in our study are ORIF and reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA).
This study aims at comparing the functional outcome between these surgical treatments of acute complex fracture of proximal humerus.
Statistical analysis
All the parameters were compared between two groups using Chi-square test and ANOVA tests, as appropriate. Chi-square test was used to compared the categorical parameters including the gender, revision rate, associated neurovascular injuries, injury involving dominant hand or not, postoperatively rehabilitation allowing free mobilization or not between the two groups while one-way ANOVA test was used for comparing the numerical data including the age, premorbid Charlson Comorbidities Index (CCI), intra-operative parameters(operative time and blood loss), postoperative functional score (Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS)) 11 , and range of motion(ROM) (Forward flexion and abduction). ANOVA test was also used in subgroup analyses based on fracture type (3-part, 4-part, and fracture-dislocation patterns) to evaluate outcome differences between ORIF and RSA groups. A p-value < 0.05 was taken to indicate statistical significance.
Methodology
Data collection and comorbidity assessment
The premorbid CCI 12 was calculated using International Classification of Disease diagnosis codes retrieved from our hospital's Clinical Management System (CMS, Electronic Health Records). This index categorizes comorbidities based on patient age and the severity of 19 predefined medical conditions, with higher scores indicating poorer comorbidity status and prognosis. Additional baseline data (age, sex, fracture patterns, hand dominance) and intra-operative parameters (blood loss and operative time) were also extracted from CMS. To ensure secure data handling, all information was transferred and stored using encrypted USB devices.
Fracture classification
All patients underwent pre-operative computed tomography (CT) with multiplanar reconstructions alongside standard radiographs. CT imaging allowed detailed assessment of fracture patterns, fragment displacement, and intra-articular involvement, enabling precise Neer classification. This approach minimized diagnostic uncertainty and improved stratification of 3-part, 4-part, and fracture-dislocation patterns for surgical planning.
Surgical protocol
All surgeries were performed for acute proximal humeral fractures by a dedicated group of surgeons under the supervision of a single senior surgeon (to standardize techniques). Patients were positioned in the beach-chair position, and a deltopectoral approach was used. The ORIF group received fixation using the DePuy Synthes PHILOS plating system, while the RSA group received the DePuy Synthes Delta XTEND Reverse Shoulder System. Intra-operative time and blood loss were recorded in CMS.
Outcome measures
OSS: Functional outcomes were assessed at 1 year postoperatively using the OSS, a validated 12-item questionnaire (total score: 48) evaluating pain and shoulder function. A single-trained interviewer conducted all OSS assessments via structured phone interviews after obtaining verbal consent. To minimize bias, the interviewer followed a standardized script, though blinding to treatment allocation was not feasible due to the nature of the study.
ROM: Postoperative ROM (forward flexion, abduction, external rotation) was measured at 1-year follow-up in our Specialist Outpatient Clinic using a standardized goniometric protocol. Measurements were performed by the treating orthopedic surgeon during routine clinical consultation, with the patient seated and the scapula manually stabilized. To enhance reliability, reference was also taken from independent measurements performed by physiotherapists (not involved in the surgical team) during separate rehabilitation sessions using the same protocol. The surgeon's measurements served as the primary reference for analysis, while physiotherapist-recorded values provided supplementary data for reliability assessment.
Rehabilitation
Both ORIF and RSA groups share similar supervised rehabilitation by our hospital's physiotherapy team including early mobilization, gradual range-of-motion exercises, and strengthening exercises.
Results
During the study period, there were 31 patients underwent RSA, 29 underwent ORIF in our hospital.
Patient demographics
The mean age of the patients underwent RSA (76.3, p = 0.000) was significantly higher compared with ORIF group (Table 1). More female patients were noted in RSA group (p = 0.009). In terms of fracture patterns, more 4-part fractures were treated by RSA (Figure 1) while more 3-part fractures were treated by ORIF (Figure 2) though it is not significant (Table 2). Moreover, RSA group (4.3, p = 0.04) has a significantly higher premorbid CCI than ORIF group(3.4). There is no significant difference between the two groups in terms of whether the injury involved the dominant hand, and any associated neurovascular injury.
Patient demographics.
Age and CCI are recorded as mean (range) and female sex as number of patients (percentage of group of patients).
Hand dominance and NV injuries are recorded as percentage.
Fracture patterns are recorded as number of patients (percent).
Statistically significant.
Abbreviations: RSA: reverse shoulder arthroplasty; ORIF: open reduction and internal fixation; CCI: Charlson Comorbidity Index.
Fracture patterns (numbers of patients).
Abbreviations: RSA: reverse shoulder arthroplasty; ORIF: open reduction and internal fixation.
Two patients in the ORIF group (6.9%, 2 out of 29) presented with nerve injuries associated with their initial trauma. The first case involved a contralateral ulnar nerve palsy while the second case had a complete brachial plexus injury evident at initial presentation. Both nerve injuries were managed conservatively: the ulnar neuropathy resolved completely within 6 months, while the brachial plexus injury showed partial recovery but retained residual ulnar nerve deficits at final follow-up. These were monitored with serial clinical examinations and electrodiagnostic studies when indicated.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty done for 4-part fracture proximal humerus.
Intra-op parameters
The intra-operative parameters including the operative time and intra-operative blood loss between the two groups are compared. Generally, the operative time of the ORIF group (148.2 min) is shorter than RSA group (161.9 min, p = 0.132) (Table 3) and the intra-operative blood loss of ORIF group (354.5 ml) is less than the RSA group (404.8 ml, p = 0.32). Yet, both results of the intra-operative comparisons are not statistically significant.
Intra-operative parameters.
Abbreviations: RSA: reverse shoulder arthroplasty; ORIF: open reduction and internal fixation.
Functional outcomes
We included the postoperative ROM (forward flexion and abduction), OSS, and revision rate at 1 year after the operations of the two groups for comparisons .

Open reduction and internal fixation done for 3-part fracture proximal humerus.
In overall, the RSA group had higher range of forward flexion and abduction (130 deg, p = 0.329; 128 deg, p = 0.195) than the ORIF group (122 degrees, p = 0.329; 116 degrees, p = 0.195) but not statistically significant (Table 4).
Postoperative range of motion.
Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation.
Abbreviations: RSA: reverse shoulder arthroplasty; ORIF: open reduction and internal fixation.
The RSA group had higher OSS (41.1 p = 0.091) than the ORIF group (37.6) but again not statistically significant (Table 5).
Postoperative outcome.
OSS is presented as mean ± standard deviation.
Revision rate is presented as percentage of patient (number of patients).
Abbreviations: RSA: reverse shoulder arthroplasty; ORIF: open reduction and internal fixation; OSS: Oxford Shoulder Score.
There was no revision case in the RSA groups while ORIF group had 6.90% (2 out of 29) of revision rate within the study period. The reason for revision was malunion as well as implant failure, i.e. screws protruding into shoulder joint and the PHILOS plate was removed and converted to RSA (Figure 3).

(a) ORIF with plating; (b) complicated with screws intra-articular protrusion; (c) revision surgery as reverse shoulder arthroplasty. ORIF: open reduction and internal fixation.
Subgroup analysis
3-part fracture type
No significant differences in terms of the intra-operative parameters and postoperative function were found except the RSA group was significantly older than the ORIF group (Table 6).
3-part fracture.
Statistically significant.
Abbreviations: RSA: reverse shoulder arthroplasty; ORIF: open reduction and internal fixation; CCI: Charlson Comorbidity Index; ROM: range of motion.
4-part fracture type
RSA performed significantly better in terms of OSS despite RSA patients being significantly older and having higher CCI scores (Table 7).
4-part fracture.
Statistically significant.
Abbreviations: RSA: reverse shoulder arthroplasty; ORIF: open reduction and internal fixation; CCI: Charlson Comorbidity Index; ROM: range of motion.
Fracture-dislocation type
All the comparisons have no statistical significance (Table 8).
Fracture dislocation.
Statistically significant.
Abbreviations: RSA: reverse shoulder arthroplasty; ORIF: open reduction and internal fixation; CCI: Charlson Comorbidity Index; ROM: range of motion.
Discussion
In our study, the RSA groups had a larger proportion of female patients than that of the ORIF group. Generally female patients had a higher risk of developing osteoporosis and the fragility fractures. 13 While the severity of fracture increases with the age of the population, 14 we tend to perform joint replacement surgery to these patients in fear of the higher complication risks such as humeral head collapse, avascular necrosis, and nonunion, if ORIF was performed.15–17
The RSA group of patients were significantly older (77.4, p = 0.00) and had poorer premorbid status in terms of higher Charlson Premorbid Index (4.3, p = 0.04) 18 , 19 . Yet, it still performed better in terms of postoperative functional ROM (p = 0.329 & 0.195), and OSS (p = 0.091) although it is statistically insignificant. This result is in line with previous literature studies20–23 The reason for choosing RSA as the surgical treatment in those patients with poorer premorbid status is due to the consideration of associated poorer outcome for ORIF in those patients, e.g. malunion, nonunion, AVN, etc. 24 , 25 Hardeman et al. 20 showed that there was worse clinical and radiological outcome when performing ORIF in older patients in terms of failure rate and revision rate. On the other hand, Younger patients with better bone quality were more likely to undergo ORIF, as there was a desire to preserve their bone stock due to their potentially higher risk of engaging in risky activities that could lead to complications and subsequent re-operations.26,27
For the intra-operative characteristics, all of the surgeries performed made use of the same position (Beach chair) and deltopectoral approach. The difference in blood loss and operative time, therefore, lied on the technical demands, procedures and the familiarities of the surgeons to the operative steps.
Generally, the RSA group required a longer operative time and more blood loss than ORIF group although the result is not statistically significant. This difference could be because ORIF is a more familiar surgery to most surgeons and it usually requires less steps and procedures in terms of bone defect management and soft tissue tensioning. The occurrence of the new anatomical pre-contoured locking plates also gave ease to the reduction and stability of the fractures and the better bone quality in the younger patients also helps secure good screws purchase.
In terms of postoperative functional outcomes, the RSA group demonstrated better ROM (forward flexion and abduction), OSS, and revision rate than ORIF group. Particularly, the difference is statistically significant in comparing the OSS in 4-part fracture. The superior outcomes in the RSA group can be attributed to the procedure's better mechanical advantages and its ability to accommodate rotator cuff insufficiency. 28
Many literatures had supported the above statement. Klein et.al 29 suggested RSA use in comminuted fracture proximal humerus in elderly patients because it showed a good clinical outcome and short intervention time. Another local study also showed that RSA performed better in terms of functional scores and postoperative ROM (Forward flexion and abduction) postoperatively 1 year onwards. 22 Delphi trial from JBJS 2020 suggested RSA performed superiorly in the complex proximal humeral fracture (displaced OTA/AO type-B2 and C2, equivalent to Neer 3-part and 4-part fracture) in geriatric population. 21
There are several limitations in our study. Firstly, the premorbid characteristics of the patient groups are not equivalent. For example, the mean age of the RSA group is significantly higher and the premorbid status was significantly more complex. This could, therefore, underestimate the functional outcome of RSA group.
Secondly, the pre-operative OSS was not measured. This important information may be one of the determining factors that leads to the different outcomes among the groups. And the interviewer for OSS was not blinded to the treatment allocation which may introduce bias in subjective outcome reporting.
Thirdly, although postoperative ROM was assessed using a standardized goniometric protocol, measurements were performed by different clinicians in outpatient settings, which may introduce inter-observer differences.
Fourthly, the sample size of our study is insufficient to establish a fully scientific model that can lead to a definitive conclusion, which may introduce the possibility of a type II error.
Fifthly, the subgroup comparison (3-parts, 4-parts, fracture dislocation) were imbalanced in sample size between the two groups. This disparity may give rise to selection bias and hence reduce the statistical power to detect the true difference
Finally, during the study period, both the RSA and ORIF groups followed similar rehabilitation protocols, including early mobilization, gradual range-of-motion exercises, and strengthening exercises. However, unlike ORIF, RSA currently lacks a standardized rehabilitation protocol, which may introduce variability in postoperative recovery. Moving forward, establishing an evidence-based rehabilitation strategy for RSA will be a key focus of our research. Recent studies on accelerated rehabilitation protocols have shown promising outcomes,30–33 suggesting a potential framework for future standardization.
Conclusion
RSA is a preferable option for 4-part fractures due to better functional outcomes, even in older patients with poorer comorbidities. On the other hand, ORIF remains appropriate for 3-part fractures and dislocations, offering comparable outcomes with less operative time and cost. Future studies with larger and comparable sample size are needed to validate these results. Careful case selection, pre-operative planning, good surgical technique, and rehabilitation are the keystones for successful surgery.
Footnotes
Declaration of conflicting interests
The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
Funding
The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
