Anterior shoulder dislocation with avulsion fracture of the greater tuberosity results in reliable good outcomes after closed reduction

Abstract

BackgroundAvulsion of the greater tuberosity (GT) due to traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation (ASD) is a commonly observed fracture pattern. After closed reduction of the dislocated humerus, the greater tuberosity typically reduces itself into its anatomic position enabling the patient to undergo conservative treatment. The aim of this study was to retrospectively review a consecutive series of patients with conservatively treated GT avulsion fractures after closed reduction of an ASD and analyze radiographic outcome, shoulder function and glenohumeral stability and the conversion rate to surgical treatment. Material and methodsAll patients who underwent closed reduction of a GT avulsion fracture after ASD with the primary intention of conservative treatment between 2017 and 2022 were included. Complications (i.e. conversion to surgical treatment), shoulder function assessed with the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score and subjective shoulder value (SSV), instability assessed with the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability (WOSI) score, radiological impingement (greater tuberosity index = GTI and impingement index = II) and GT fracture pattern were assessed as outcome measurements. ResultsA total of 29 patients (mean age 44 years, 27% female) with a mean follow-up of 32.6 (range, 8-96) months were enrolled. Seven patients (24%) underwent surgery due to secondary displacement (n=4, 14%) or impingement symptoms (n=3, 10%). All patients who underwent secondary surgery showed a multifragmentary fracture pattern of the GT. Shoulder stiffness (n=7) and neuropraxia of the axillary nerve (n=3) were observed temporarily and resolved during the follow-up period. The ASES and SSV of the conservatively treated patients at the last follow-up was 89.2±19.1 respectively 86±18.2%. No recurrent glenohumeral dislocation was documented. The mean WOSI score at last follow-up was 8(0-71). The mean GTI decreased from 1.2±0.1 after ASD to 1.1±0.1 at the last follow-up (p=0.002). The mean II decreased from 0.6±0.5 after ASD to 0.4±0.3 at the last follow-up (p=0.110). ConclusionThe greater tuberosity avulsion fragment reduces typically into a close to anatomic position after closed reduction and the greater tuberosity index even improves with further conservative treatment over time. Close radiological follow-up is necessary to rule out secondary displacement which occurs typically in a multifragmentary fracture pattern. Patients without the need for surgery showed good clinical outcomes without recurrence of glenohumeral instability.