Primary hemiarthroplasty in four-part fractures of the proximal humerus: Randomized trial of two different implant systems

40 patients with four-part proximal humerus fractures were randomized to undergo hemiarthroplasty with either the HAS prosthesis or the EPOCA prosthesis (rigid fixation of the tuberosities). The purpose of this study was to compare the functional outcomes between these prostheses. The results at one year indicated that the rigid fixation and anatomic positioning that occurred with the EPOCA prosthesis was superior in increasing the rate of bony healing. This rigid fixation also resulted in improved functional outcomes.