A new suggestion for the treatment of minimally displaced fractures of the greater tuberosity of the proximal humerus.

Fourteen shoulders in 14 patients with minimally displaced fractures of the greater tuberosity of the proximal humerus were evaluated, at an average of 3 years, 7 months (range: 1 year to 6 years, 1 month) after the operation. For comparison this portion of the proximal humerus was measured using 100 Korean adult cadaveric humeri. The results of these preliminary studies suggest that the patients presenting with a one-part fracture of the greater tuberosity of the proximal humerus should be evaluated individually. In most patients in whom the displacement of the fragment is less than 5 mm, good results can be obtained with non-operative treatment. If the displacement of the fragment is more than 5 mm in young active patients, and more than 3 mm in individuals (especially athletes and heavy laborers) involved in overhead activity, the fragment should be mobilized, repaired, and fixed into its original bed or slightly inferolaterally.