In this study, we describe a morphological classification for greater tuberosity fractures of the proximal humerus. We divided these fractures into three types: avulsion, split and depression. We retrospectively reviewed all shoulder radiographs showing isolated greater tuberosity fractures in a Level I trauma centre between July 2007 and July 2012. We identified 199 cases where records and radiographs were reviewed and included 79 men and 120 women with a mean age of 58 years (23 to 96). The morphological classification was applied to the first 139 cases by three reviewers on two occasions using the Kappa statistic and compared with the AO and Neer classifications. The inter- and intra-observer reliability of the morphological classification was 0.73 to 0.77 and 0.69 to 0.86, respectively. This was superior to the Neer (0.31 to 0.35/0.54 to 0.63) and AO (0.30 to 0.32/0.59 to 0.65) classifications. The distribution of avulsion, split and depression type fractures was 39%, 41%, and 20%, respectively. This classification of greater tuberosity fractures is more reliable than the Neer or AO classifications. These distinct fracture morphologies are likely to have implications in terms of pathophysiology and surgical technique. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:646–51

Glenohumeral dislocation is complicated with a greater tuberosity fracture in 16% of cases. Debate regarding the safety of closed reduction in the emergency department exists, with concerns over fracture propagation during the reduction manoeuvre. The study aim was to report the results of closed reduction, identify complications and define outcome for these injuries. 188 consecutive glenohumeral dislocations with a tuberosity fracture were identified from a prospective database from 2014–2017. 182 had an attempted closed reduction under appropriate sedation using standard techniques, five were manipulated in theatre due to contra-indications to sedation. Clinical, radiographic and patient reported outcomes, in the form of the QuickDASH and Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), were collected. A closed reduction in the emergency department was successful in 162 (86%) patients. Two iatrogenic fractures of the proximal humerus occurred, one in the emergency department and one in theatre, representing a 1% risk. 35 (19%) of patients presented with a nerve lesion due to dislocation. Surgery was performed in 19 (10%) cases for persistent or early displacement (< 2 weeks) of the greater tuberosity fragment. Surgery resulted in QuickDASH and OSS scores comparable to those patients in whom the tuberosity healed spontaneously in an anatomical position (p=0.13). 18 patients developed adhesive capsulitis (10%). Glenohumeral dislocation with greater tuberosity fracture can be safely treated by closed reduction within the emergency department with a low risk of humeral neck fracture. Persistent or early displacement of the tuberosity fragment will occur in 10% of cases and is an indication for surgery

Background. Acute anterior dislocation of the glenohumeral joint may be complicated by injury to neighboring structures. These injuries are best considered a spectrum of injury ranging from an isolated dislocation (unifocal injury), through injuries associated with either nerve or osteoligamentous injury (bifocal injury), to injuries where there is evidence of both nerve and osteoligamentous injury. The latter combination has previously been described as the “terrible triad,” although we prefer the term “trifocal,” recognizing that this is the more severe end of an injury spectrum and avoiding confusion with the terrible triad of the elbow. We evaluated the prevalence and risk factors for nerve and osteoligamentous injuries associated with an acute anterior glenohumeral dislocation in a large consecutive series of patients treated in our Unit. Materials and Methods. 3626 consecutive adults (mean age 48yrs) with primary traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation treated at our unit were included. All patients were interviewed and examined by an orthopaedic trauma surgeon and underwent radiological assessment within a week of injury. Where rotator cuff injury or radiologically-occult greater tuberosity fracture was suspected, urgent ultrasonography was used. Deficits in neurovascular function were assessed clinically, with electrophysiological testing reserved for equivocal cases. Results. Unifocal injuries occurred in 2228 (61.4%) of patients. There was a bimodal distribution in the prevalence of these injuries, with peaks in the 20–29 age cohort (34.4% patients) and after the age of 60 years (23.0% patients). Of the 1120 (30.9%) patients with bifocal dislocations, 920 (82.1%) patients had an associated osteotendinous injury and 200 (17.9%) patients had an associated nerve injury. Trifocal injuries occurred in 278 (7.7%) of cases. In bifocal and trifocal injuries, rotator cuff tears and fractures of the greater tuberosity or glenoid were the most frequent osteotendinous injuries. The axillary nerve was most frequently injured neurological structure. We were unable to elicit any significant statistical differences between bifocal and trifocal injuries with regards to patient demographics. However, when compared with unifocal injuries, bifocal or trifocal injuries were more likely to occur in older, female patients resulting from low energy falls (p<0.05). Conclusions. We present the largest series reporting the epidemiology of injury patterns related to traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation. Increased understanding and awareness of these injuries among clinicians will improve diagnosis and facilitate appropriate treatment

Aims

In order to determine whether and for whom serial radiological evaluation is necessary in one-part proximal humerus fractures, we set out to describe the clinical history and predictors of secondary displacement in patients sustaining these injuries.

Our aim was to determine the effect of the initial pattern of fracture and the displacement of fragments on the outcome of proximal humeral fractures treated conservatively. We followed 93 consecutive patients prospectively for one year. Final movement and strength were compared with those of the contralateral side. The final American Shoulder and Elbow Society score and the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand and Short-Form 36 questionnaires were compared with those provided by the patient on the day of the injury. Radiographs and CT scans with three-dimensional reconstruction were obtained in all patients. The pattern of the fracture and the displacement of individual fragments were analysed and correlated with the final outcome. There were two cases of nonunion and six of avascular necrosis. The majority of the fractures (84 patients; 90%) followed one of the following four patterns: posteromedial (varus) impaction in 50 patients (54%), lateral (valgus) impaction in 13 (14%), isolated greater tuberosity in 15 (16%), and anteromedial impaction fracture in six (6%). Head orientation, impaction of the surgical neck and displacement of the tuberosity correlated strongly with the outcome. In fractures with posteromedial impaction, a poor outcome was noted as the articular surface displaced inferiorly increasing its distance from the acromion. A poorer outcome was noted as a fractured greater tuberosity displaced medially overlapping with the posterior articular surface. Lateral impaction fractures had a worse outcome than other patterns of fracture

The generally-accepted treatment for large, displaced fractures of the glenoid associated with traumatic anterior dislocation of the shoulder is operative repair. In this study, 14 consecutive patients with large (> 5 mm), displaced (> 2 mm) anteroinferior glenoid rim fractures were treated non-operatively if post-reduction radiographs showed a centred glenohumeral joint.

After a mean follow-up of 5.6 years (2.8 to 8.4), the mean Constant score and subjective shoulder value were 98% (90% to 100%) and 97% (90% to 100%), respectively. There were no redislocations or subluxations, and the apprehension test was negative. All fragments healed with an average intra-articular step of 3.0 mm (0.5 to 11). No patient had symptoms of osteoarthritis, which was mild in two shoulders and moderate in one.

Traumatic anterior dislocation of the shoulder, associated with a large displaced glenoid rim fracture can be successfully treated non-operatively, providing the glenohumeral joint is concentrically reduced on the anteroposterior radiograph.