title: Surgical management of isolated greater tuberosity fractures of the proximal humerus.
abstract: Because the greater tuberosity is the insertion site of the posterior superior rotator cuff, fractures can have a substantial impact on functional outcome. Isolated fractures should not inadvertently be trivialized. Thorough patient evaluation is required to make an appropriate treatment decision. In most cases surgical management is considered when there is displacement of 5 mm or greater. Although reduction of displaced greater tuberosity fractures has traditionally been performed with open techniques, arthroscopic techniques are now available. The most reliable techniques of fixation of the greater tuberosity incorporate the rotator cuff tendon bone junction rather than direct bone-to-bone fixation.
authors.affiliation: Division of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: DeBottis
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
authors.forename: Jack
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Anavian
authors.affiliation: Division of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA. Electronic address: agshoulder@aol.com.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Green
mesh_terms: D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000601:surgery*; D000070636:Rotator Cuff Injuries; D012784:Shoulder Fractures / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D013536:Suture Techniques
keywords: Arthroscopic internal fixation; Glenohumeral dislocation; Greater tuberosity fracture; Open reduction and internal fixation; Proximal humerus fracture; Rotator cuff