HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by George, M. S. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by George, M. S.

Fractures of the Greater Tuberosity of the Humerus

Dr. George is Attending Surgeon, KSF Orthopaedic Center, Houston, TX, and Clinical Instructor, Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston.

Neither Dr. George nor a member of his immediate family has received anything of value from or owns stock in a commercial company or institution related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.

Reprint requests: Dr. George, KSF Orthopaedic Center, 17270 Red Oak Drive, Houston, TX 77090.

Isolated fractures of the greater tuberosity of the humerus can occur in anterior shoulder dislocations or as the result of an impaction injury against the acromion or superior glenoid. Greater tuberosity fractures may be associated with partial-thickness rotator cuff tears and labral tears, which may be the cause of persistent pain after fracture healing. Nondisplaced and minimally displaced fractures are typically treated successfully nonsurgically. Surgical fixation is recommended for fractures with >5 mm of displacement in the general population or >3 mm of displacement in active patients involved in frequent overhead activity. Open surgical repair is performed with suture or screw fixation. Recently, arthroscopic techniques have produced promising results. Careful follow-up and supervised rehabilitation optimize results after both nonsurgical and surgical treatment.