Isolated fractures of the greater tuberosity: When are they treated conservatively?: A baseline study

BACKGROUND: This study analyzed the indications for conservative management of isolated greater tuberosity (GT) fractures. The rate of secondary interventions for failed conservative treatment was also assessed. METHODS: A retrospective data evaluation of isolated GT fractures was performed from the clinical database of two level-I trauma centers from January 2010 to June 2017. Conservatively treated GT fractures were identified and subdivided according to etiology, morphology, and amount of initial displacement. Secondary surgical interventions were recorded and subcategorized into fracture-associated interventions and interventions for associated soft tissue lesions. RESULTS: We identified 114 fractures. Nine cases were excluded because patients refused surgery or their comorbidities ruled it out. Only two of the remaining 105 patients had an initial displacement >3 mm. All other GT fractures (n = 103, 98%) were not displaced or only slightly displaced (0–3 mm). The fracture was associated with an anterior shoulder dislocation in 39 cases (37%); 17 patients (16.2%) underwent surgery after primary conservative treatment. Four of these 17 patients presented with a secondary displacement of the GT fragment. In all other cases (76.5%), an associated soft tissue lesion necessitated revision surgery. Young age, anterior shoulder dislocation, and concomitant injuries were risk factors for revision surgery after primary conservative treatment. CONCLUSION: Secondary interventions are required more frequently after shoulder dislocation. Surgery is most likely required for associated soft tissue lesions rather than for secondary displacements. Thus, detailed physical examination and magnetic resonance imaging should be used to screen for concomitant soft tissue injuries accompanying GT fractures to prevent revision surgeries.