title: Using Plate Osteosynthesis to Treat Isolated Greater Tuberosity Fractures.
abstract: Isolated greater tuberosity fractures make up a small subset of proximal humerus fractures. We conducted a study to evaluate the radiologic and clinical outcomes of patients who underwent a novel use of plate osteosynthesis in the treatment of displaced greater tuberosity fractures. Eleven consecutive patients with a displaced greater tuberosity fracture were treated. Mean age at surgery was 60.3 years old (range, 37-71 years). Mean follow-up was 27 months (range, 16-44 months). All 11 patients experienced radiographic union. Three of the 11 had a loss of anatomical reduction. Mean Penn Shoulder Score was 79, and mean Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score was 72. At most recent follow-up, mean forward elevation was 147°, and mean external rotation was 25°. Plate osteosynthesis is a novel technique for the treatment of displaced greater tuberosity fractures. This technique resulted in excellent fracture reduction, a 100% union rate, minimal fracture migration, and good return of range of motion.
authors.affiliation: University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, OH. robertgillespie77@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Robert J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Gillespie
authors.forename: Peter S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Johnston
authors.forename: Victoria A
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Gordon
authors.forename: Patrick J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Ward
authors.forename: Charles L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Getz
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001860:Bone Plates; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012784:Shoulder Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D000070599:Shoulder Injuries; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome