[Isolated fracture of the lesser tuberosity of the humerus: case reports and review of the literature].

Only 17 cases of isolated avulsion fracture of the lesser tuberosity have been reported in the literature since Hartigan's report in 1895. Whereas in children, conservative treatment is almost successful, in adults operative restoration is the method of choice in order to obtain full painless range of motion with normal strength of muscle control. Surgical excision of the fragment of lesser tuberosity after failed conservative treatment may relieve the patient's symptoms. Three own cases and a review of the literature are discussed.