title: Isolated avulsion fracture of the lesser tuberosity of the humerus.
abstract: Three cases of isolated avulsion fracture of the lesser tuberosity are described together with a review of six previously reported cases. Of the total cases, six had a well-documented mode of injury, in which a strong abducting force was applied to the medial aspect of the upper arm, causing exaggerated abduction and external rotation. The contracting subscapularis muscle displaces the avulsed bony insertion to a position below the glenoid to give a characteristic appearance on the radiograph. This appearance should not be confused with calcific tendonitis. The lesion may warrant surgical intervention which has been successful in half the cases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Holy Spirit Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Earwaker
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006811:Humerus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D012784:Shoulder Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*