title: Isolated fractures of the greater tuberosity of the proximal humerus: a long-term retrospective study of 30 patients .
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The diagnosis and treatment of isolated greater tuberosity fractures of the proximal humerus is not clear-cut. We retrospectively assessed the clinical and radiographic outcome of isolated greater tuberosity fractures.
  
  
  METHODS
  30 patients (mean age 58 (26-85) years, 19 women) with 30 closed isolated greater tuberosity fractures were reassessed after an average follow-up time of 3 years with DASH score and Constant score. Radiographic outcome was assessed on standard plain radiographs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  14 of 17 patients with undisplaced or slightly displaced fractures (≤ 5 mm) were treated nonoperatively and had good clinical outcome (mean DASH score of 13, mean Constant score of 71). 8 patients with moderately displaced fractures (6-10 mm) were either treated nonoperatively (n = 4) or operatively (n = 4), with good functional results (mean DASH score of 10, mean Constant score of 72). 5 patients with major displaced fractures (> 10 mm) were all operated with good clinical results (mean DASH score of 14, mean Constant score of 69). The most common discomfort at the follow-up was an impingement syndrome of the shoulder, which occurred in both nonoperatively treated patients (n = 3) and operatively treated patients (n = 4). Only 1 nonoperatively treated patient developed a non-union. By radiography, all other fractures healed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We found that minor to moderately displaced greater tuberosity fractures may be treated successfully without surgery.
authors: Department of Trauma Surgery, Center for Musculoskeletal Surgery, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany. mattyasovszky@unfall.klinik.uni-mainz.de
authors: Stefan G
authors: SG
authors: Mattyasovszky
authors: Klaus J
authors: KJ
authors: Burkhart
authors: Christopher
authors: C
authors: Ahlers
authors: Dirk
authors: D
authors: Proschek
authors: Sven-Oliver
authors: SO
authors: Dietz
authors: Inma
authors: I
authors: Becker
authors: Stephan
authors: S
authors: Müller-Haberstock
authors: Lars P
authors: LP
authors: Müller
authors: Pol M
authors: PM
authors: Rommens
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012784:Shoulder Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome