抄録
The purpose of this study was to show the new classification of the isolated fractures of the greater tuberosity of the proximal humerus, and to report the relationship between fracture type and displacement. This study consisted of 94 cases (56 females and 38 males, 55 cases without dislocation and 39 cases with dislocation) with isolated fractures of the greater tuberosity. The mean age was 60.2 years old (range 18 to 96 years old). The greater tuberosity consisted of the three facets; superior facet, middle facet and inferior facet. Fractured facets and the amount of displacement of the greater tuberosity were investigated. In cases without dislocation, the superior facet was fractured in 8 cases, the middle facet in 14 cases, the superior and middle facets in 9 cases, the middle and inferior facets in 14 cases, the superior and the middle and the inferior facets in 10 cases. In cases with dislocation, the superior and middle facets were fractured in 16 cases, the middle and inferior facets in 2 cases, the superior and middle and inferior facets in 21 cases. Advance of the displacement of the greater tuberosity was seen in 2 cases without dislocation and in 8 cases with dislocation, whose mean age was 75.7 years old. Various fracture types showed in cases without dislocation, and cases with dislocation had large fractured fragment including the middle facet. The cases with dislocation often had advance of the displacement of the greater tuberosity, and should be treated carefully, especially in the aged.
