Abstract
Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a new anatomical locking plate in the treatment of comminuted greater tuberosity fracture. Methods Data of 24 shoulders in 23 patients with comminuted greater tuberosity fracture who were treated with the new anatomical locking plate from June 2013 to January 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 13 males and 10 females with an average age of 52.3 years old (range, 26 to 75 years). According to Neer classification, all cases including 19 acute cases and 4 old cases, were two-part fractures of greater tuberosity with 2 or more fragments. There were 10 left shoulders, 12 right and 1 bilateral. All cases were treated by the top shoulder approach except for 4 cases with anterior dislocation of the shoulder and manipulative reduction fails. PDS2 sutures, Kirschner wire and anatomical humeral greater tuberosity locking plate were used to reduce and fix fracture. Functional assessment was carried out by the Rating Scale of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), and Constant-Murley shoulder outcome score. Results The patients were followedup for 16.2 months (range, 7-30 months). The X-ray examination showed fractures were healed in all cases after 9.8 weeks (range, 8-13 weeks). The mean ASES score was 95.9 (range, 84-100) points, and Constant-Murley score was 97.5 (range, 88-100) points. The forward flexion of the shoulder was 166.3° (range, 150°-170°). External rotation was 67.5° (range, 50°-75°), and internal rotation of the finger could reach T4-T12. One case recurred with dislocation after operation, and then it was treated with close reduction under anesthesia. At the latest follow-up, there was no hardware failure, re-displacement of the fracture, nonunion or malunion, avascular necrosis and axillary nerve injury. Conclusion Application of the new anatomical locking plate is an effective and safe method to treat comminuted greater tuberosity fracture. Key words: Fractures, comminuted; Shoulder fractures; Internal fixators
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
