Greater Tuberosity Fracture: Fixation & Outcomes in Elderly Patients
- isolated fractures of the greater tuberosity, a bony prominence of the humerus (upper arm bone), are increasingly common, particularly in the elderly population.
- The case involved an elderly patient presenting with a greater tuberosity fracture exhibiting posterior-superior displacement.
- Rather of a combined rotator cuff repair, the patient underwent fixation using cannulated screws augmented with washers.
Successful Fixation of Isolated Greater Tuberosity Fracture in Elderly Patient
Table of Contents
Published: August 30, 2025
Understanding Greater tuberosity Fractures
isolated fractures of the greater tuberosity, a bony prominence of the humerus (upper arm bone), are increasingly common, particularly in the elderly population. These injuries often result from falls and can substantially impact shoulder function. A recent case study details a successful surgical intervention for such a fracture,demonstrating a viable treatment pathway.
Case Presentation: posterior-superior Displacement
The case involved an elderly patient presenting with a greater tuberosity fracture exhibiting posterior-superior displacement. This specific displacement pattern-where the fractured fragment shifts backward and upward-can be particularly challenging to address.Conventional treatment often involves rotator cuff repair alongside fracture fixation,but this case highlights a successful alternative.
Surgical Technique: Cannulated Screws with Washers
Rather of a combined rotator cuff repair, the patient underwent fixation using cannulated screws augmented with washers. Cannulated screws are hollow, allowing for passage over a guide wire, which improves accuracy during placement. The addition of washers provides a broader surface area for compression, enhancing fracture stability. This technique proved effective in achieving anatomical reduction and stable fixation.
Outcomes and Clinical Significance
The patient experienced a positive outcome following the fixation procedure. The use of cannulated screws with washers, without the need for rotator cuff repair, represents a possibly less invasive and equally effective treatment option for select cases of isolated greater tuberosity fractures with posterior-superior displacement. This approach may be particularly beneficial for elderly patients where minimizing surgical trauma is a priority.