Abstract
Introduction
Surgical fixation of greater tuberosity fractures in the shoulder is the choice of treatment even if the fragment is minimally displaced. This helps to reduce the incidence of impingement secondary to a malunited tuberosity fragment especially in younger patients. We evaluated the functional outcome of our patients treated with open reduction and internal fixation of these fractures using cancellous screws.
Materials and Methods
19 patients with a mean age of 57.1 years (range 27–84) with 19 isolated greater tuberosity fractures treated with cancellous screws were included. These patients were evaluated after an average follow up period of nearly four years (range 66–444 weeks) using the DASH score and the Constant and Murley score. They were also clinically assessed to check for signs of impingement.
Results
The median age in our study was 59. The mean Constant and Murley score was 75 (range 35–98) and the mean DASH score was 15.7 (0.8–45.0) which is a good result. Most patients had trouble in performing overhead activities (as per the DASH scoresheet) inspite of surgery. Impingement signs were also positive in nearly half of our patients (9 patients).
Conclusions
Greater tuberosity fracture fixation using cancellous screws is a simple procedure associated with good results. However comparision needs to be made with the outcomes following fixation using suture anchors which is also a popular technique.
