An alternative technique for greater tuberosity fractures: use of the mesh plate
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Abstract
Introduction
Isolated greater tuberosity (GT) fractures (AO 11-A1) tend to occur in the younger patient population and are poorly managed by most precontoured proximal humerus locking plates. The goal of this study was to identify and assess an alternative treatment strategy for greater tuberosity fractures.
Materials and methods
A retrospective review of all cases of isolated greater tuberosity fractures treated with a 2.4/2.7 mesh plate (Synthes) between 2010 and 2015 was conducted. Patient demographics, operative reports, and clinical notes were reviewed. The time to radiographic union was assessed. Clinical outcomes were retrieved from patients at their follow-up visits or via mailed Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, Hand (DASH) questionnaires.
Results
Ten patients with isolated GT fractures treated with mesh plating were identified with an average age of 47.1 years. The average radiographic follow-up was 7.2 months and the average clinical follow-up was 8.0 months. The mean time to union was 8.5 weeks. Two patients underwent elective hardware removal. The mean DASH at final follow-up was 28.2 (±22.4), while the mean DASH work was 13.6 (±19.1).
Conclusion
We have identified a viable alternative treatment option for the surgical management of isolated greater tuberosity fractures using a mesh plate that can be contoured to the patient’s anatomy. Surgeons should be aware of this option for select patients.
Keywords
Greater tuberosity Proximal humerus Mesh plateNotes
Compliance with ethical standards
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
Funding
There is no funding source.
Ethical approval
The study contains data gathered from the charts of human participants and was approved by the institution’s IRB.
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