[Humeral head fracture and cuff].

During the past decade the evaluation of the rotator cuff in the management of proximal humeral fractures has received increasing attention. Different studies have investigated the pathomorphology, prevalence and impact of rotator cuff lesions on the outcome of non-operative or surgical treatment of proximal humeral fractures. Tendon defects, either chronic or trauma related, are observed mainly in the anterosuperior or posterosuperior aspect of the rotator cuff and present as partial- or full-thickness tears. Structural changes of the rotator cuff muscles including atrophy and fatty infiltration in the context of proximal humeral fractures have been inadequately investigated. The prevalence of coexisting rotator cuff pathology varies between 5 and greater than 50% depending on the method of evaluation, the fracture morphology and the age of the patient. The influence of a concomitant rotator cuff tear on the clinical outcome has not been conclusively investigated. However, different studies indicate that some lesions can be a source of persistent pain and functional deficit after conservative or surgical management of proximal humeral fractures. Therefore, a simultaneous repair of the rotator cuff defect during surgical reconstruction of the proximal humerus is indicated.