Surgical treatment of comminuted, displaced fractures of the greater tuberosity of the proximal humerus: A new technique of double-row suture-anchor fixation and long-term results

SummaryConventional techniques of internal fixation of displaced fractures of the greater tuberosity may be insufficient in presence of comminution. A new surgical technique of internal fixation using a double-row of suture-anchors is described. Long-term results of this technique are evaluated in 21 patients with an isolated, displaced and comminuted greater tuberosity fracture at an average of 3.5 years (range 1–5 years) after surgery. The average age of the patients in the study was 51 years (range 17–93 years). Twenty fractures healed without post-operative displacement. The result was rated as excellent in 8, good in 10, satisfactory in 2 and unsatisfactory in 1 patient. Post-operative bicipital impingement in two patients and reaction to fixation material in one patient resulted in persistent, severe pain in the rehabilitation period, necessitating additional surgery.