Sixteen studies were included in the review (n=808 patients). All the studies were either retrospective comparative studies or case series.
Range of movement: After hemiarthroplasty, the mean active anterior elevation was 105.7 degrees (range 10 to 180 degrees, 11 studies, n=383 patients); the mean abduction was 92.4 degrees (range 15 to 170 degrees, four studies, n=87 patients); and the mean external rotation was 30.4 degrees (range 15 to 90 degrees, 11 studies, n=367 patients).
Pain: Over 83% of patients reported no pain or only mild pain after the hemiarthroplasty (14 studies, 529 patients).
Function (three studies): After hemiarthroplasty, the mean Constant score was 56.6 out of 100 (range11 to 98, eight studies, n=560 patients). Function was rated as excellent or satisfactory by 40% of patients (62 out of 155 patients).
Patient satisfaction (seven studies): Results were considered unsatisfactory after hemiarthroplasty by 41.6% of patients (121 out of 291 patients).
Complications (15 studies): Superficial infection was reported after hemiarthroplasty in 1.6% of cases and deep infection was reported in 0.6%. Complications associated with fixation and healing of the tuberosities were reported in 11.2% of cases, heterotopic ossification in 8.8%, and proximal migration of the humeral head in 6.8%.