Fracture Care · Shoulder & arm
Proximal humerus fracture — Reverse shoulder replacement
Proximal Humerus Fracture (Broken Upper Arm Bone at the Shoulder) — Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty
The condition
The proximal humerus is the top of the upper arm bone—the ball of the shoulder and the bumps (tuberosities) where the rotator cuff attaches. In some fractures, especially in older adults or when the bone is in many pieces, the ball cannot be reliably fixed and may lose its blood supply.
The surgery
The broken ball is replaced through an incision at the front of the shoulder. In a reverse replacement, a metal ball is fixed to the socket and a cup on a stem goes into the arm bone, so the large deltoid muscle can lift the arm. The tuberosity pieces are usually sewn back around the implant. The final plan is determined during surgery.
Recovery at a glance
- Sling
- Weaned by 4-6 weeks (sling worn full if the bone pieces need extra protection). Gentle assisted motion starts right away.
- Daily life
- Generally return to desk work within first two weeks. Light tasks below shoulder height, lifting 1–2 lb. For 6 weeks: no pushing up from a chair and no reaching behind your back. No driving while taking narcotic pain medication.
- Lifting & overhead
- Active motion and lifting up to 5 lb from 6 weeks; up to 10 lb at 3 months. Most can reach overhead to a useful degree; rotation may stay limited.
- Activity
- Light recreation (swimming, golf) between 4 and 6 months. Heavy lifting is avoided long term.
A general guide. Your restrictions and timeline may change based on what is found and done at surgery.
Risks & benefits
Benefits: Most patients have reliable pain relief and can lift the arm for daily activities. Risks are uncommon and include infection, blood clots, dislocation, the tuberosity pieces not healing (which can limit rotation), loosening of the implants over time, fracture around the implant, injury to nearby structures (such as nerves or blood vessels), stiffness, persistent pain, implant dislocation, and the need for further surgery. These will be reviewed with you in detail before surgery.
Patient Surgical Information
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Before & after every surgery