J Korean Fract Soc.  2014 Jan;27(1):72-76. 10.12671/jkfs.2014.27.1.72.

Isolated Avulsion Fracture of the Lesser Tuberosity of the Humerus: A Case Report

• Kim TH
• Hong KD
• Ha SS
• Sim JC
• Sung MC

• KMID: 1817005
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2014.27.1.72

Abstract

Isolated avulsion of the lesser tuberosity of the humerus is a rare injury. The mechanism of injury is the avulsion of the lesser tuberosity from forced contractions of the subscapularis muscle when the arm is forced into an externally rotated position on shoulder abduction. Authors report a case for isolated avulsion of the lesser tuberosity of the humerus which was treated with open reduction and transosseous suture fixation, as well as a view of the literature.

Keyword

Humerus; Lesser tuberosity; Avulsion fracture

MeSH Terms

Arm
Humerus*
Muscles
Shoulder
Sutures

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Preoperative radiographs. (A) Anteroposterior view shows blunting of the inferior glenoid in right shoulder with an area of increased opacity. (B) Axillary lateral view shows a bony avulsion of the lesser tuberosity in right shoulder.

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  Fig. 2 Preoperative computed tomography shows an avulsion of the lesser tuberosity in right shoulder. (A) Axial view. (B) Coronal view. (C) Three-dimensional view.

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  Fig. 3 Arthroscopic view showing avulsion of the lesser tuberosity in right shoulder with intact biceps tendon. Arrow: lesser tuberosity bony fragments. HH: Humeral head, B: Biceps long head.

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  Fig. 4 Photograph of the operation field. (A) Avulsion of the lesser tuberosity at exploration. (B) Reattachment of the lesser tuberosity with transosseous sutures. Arrow: lesser tuberosity bony fragment. HH: Humeral head, B: Biceps brachii.

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  Fig. 5 Computed tomography 4 days postoperatively shows the reduced bony fragments. (A) Axial view. (B) Coronal view.

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