Arthroscopic treatment of greater tuberosity fractures : retrospective review of clinical and radiological outcomes

Abstract

The purpose of this retrospective study was to analyze the clinical and radiological outcomes and discuss the value of arthroscopic suture bridge technique in patients with isolated greater tuberosity fractures. Between October 2009 and July 2014, 37 patients with greater tuberosity fractures were analyzed. Thirteen of these patients were treated with arthroscopic reduction and fixation. Analysis of the clinical outcome was performed by comparing final range of motion, UCLA and Constant score. Radiological outcome was analyzed with time for union. Postoperative results were analyzed by range of motion, UCLA and constant score. Each figure resulted as: UCLA from 27 to 35 (average: 29); range of motion in forward flexion from 160° to 180° (average: 173°); Constant score from 69 to 100 (average: 73). Using arthroscopic treatment with a suture-bridge technique can be a useful method in terms of clinical and functional outcomes and be considered as a viable alternative to conventional open techniques.