title: Arthroscopic reduction and fixation for isolated greater tuberosity fractures.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Traditionally, displaced greater tuberosity fractures are treated with open reduction and internal fixation. Arthroscopic treatment and outcome of greater tuberosity fractures is far from comprehensive. The objective of the current study was to assess the surgical procedure and outcome of an arthroscopic method in the treatment of isolated greater tuberosity fractures.
  
  
  METHODS
  From January 2006 to December 2009, 23 patients with isolated greater tuberosity fractures were treated with an arthroscopic procedure using three cannulated screws combined with washers. During follow-up, radiographs and the constant shoulder score (CSS) were used to evaluate the outcome.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three cannulated screws with washers were used to fix the fractured fragment of the greater tuberosity under an arthroscope. All incisions healed at primary intention without infection. The mean duration of follow-up was 20 months (range 18 - 36 months). Fracture fixation was excellent, and fractures healed 2 - 6 months (mean 3.8 months) after surgery. At final follow-up, the CSS was 92 (range 86 - 100).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The described arthroscopic procedure provides anatomical reduction and firm fixation for isolated greater tuberosity fractures. It is a successful and minimally invasive procedure with satisfying therapeutic effects as well as excellent functional recovery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics, Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
authors.forename: Yong-ping
authors.initials: YP
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Jin-zhong
authors.initials: JZ
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.forename: Xiao-qiao
authors.initials: XQ
authors.lastname: Huangfu
authors.forename: Wen-xin
authors.initials: WX
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Yao
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Jiang
authors.forename: Xin-hua
authors.initials: XH
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.forename: Yao-hua
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: He
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001863:Bone Screws; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome