Arthroscopic Surgery for Subacromial Impingement Syndrome with Minimally Displaced Greater Tuberosity Fracture: A Case Report

Abstract

Conservative treatments for minimally displaced greater tuberosity fractures usually yield good results, but some paients may have prolonged shoulder pain regardless of conservative treatment. We report a case treated arthroscopically for subacromial impingement syndrome with minimally displaced greater tuberosity fracture who achieved good results. In July 2009, a 67-year-old female patient fell on her left hand. She vistied our hospital for the first time five day after the injury. We found a minimally displaced greater tuberosity fracture and treated it conservatively. Her symptoms did not improve, so we performed arthroscopy six months after the injury. Operative findings showed a small tear of the rotator cuff with minimally displaced greater tuberosity. We repaired the rotator cuff and formed the greater tuberosity arthroscopically. Her symptoms disappeared ten months later. JOAscore improved from preoperative 65 points to 92 points. With greater tuberosity fracture, even if the dislocation is small, symptoms may remain. Careful observation is required especially if there is elevation in front of the greater tuberosity.