Abstract
A description of a new technique for arthroscopic treatment of minimally displaced
greater tuberosity fractures of the humerus and associated soft tissue lesions is
presented. This kind of fracture is usually treated nonsurgically. However, recent
evidence suggests that even a small amount of superior displacement may produce shoulder
dysfunction and require a perfect surgical reduction and fixation. Moreover, any displaced
fracture of the greater tuberosity presents a high rate of associated and largely
undetected soft tissue lesions. To avoid underestimating accompanying soft tissue
pathology, arthroscopic assessment before open treatment of greater tuberosity fractures
has been suggested. In 2 earlier case reports, we described the use of an arthroscope
not only to diagnose and treat a rotator cuff tear and a Bankart lesion associated
with a minimally displaced greater tuberosity fracture but also to arthroscopically
reduce and treat the fracture. With advancements in arthroscopy and equipment, we
refined and systematized the original arthroscopic technique that we have routinely
used since 1997. This article presents the new technique.
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References
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Article info
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Copyright
© 2004 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
