Recession wedge osteotomy of the greater tuberosity for proximal humeral varus.

Proximal humeral varus has multiple etiologies and may lead to impingement and reduced shoulder range of motion, particularly abduction and forward elevation. Valgus osteotomies have been described at the level of the surgical neck yielding acceptable results. This article describes a case of a male electrician who was treated for symptoms associated with proximal humeral varus of the right shoulder. He underwent an osteotomy of the greater tuberosity designed to reduce impingement and improve range of motion. The patient had previously undergone two separate surgical procedures for a simple bone cyst, but continued to have reduced shoulder function secondary to a prominent greater tuberosity. Preoperative and follow-up radiographs, physical examinations, and shoulder function were retrospectively reviewed for 32 months. Following treatment, active forward elevation improved from 130° preoperatively to 170°, abduction from 90° to 170°, external rotation from 45° to 70°, and internal rotation from T10 to T7. The patient reported relief of pain, impingement-free range of motion, and full symmetric function equal to that of his contralateral shoulder. Radiographs demonstrated osteotomy union, improved greater tuberosity/acromial clearance, and no impingement with abduction. Postoperative stiffness was the only complication noted for which a shoulder manipulation was performed under anesthesia. Thus, recession wedge osteotomy of the prominent greater tuberosity may serve as a viable surgical approach to reducing impingement and improving clinical function in proximal humeral varus. Copyright 2011, SLACK Incorporated.