Influence of reestablishing greater tuberosity angle on patient outcomes following greater tuberosity fractures.

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to assess whether higher values of GTA after osteosynthesis of isolated greater tuberosity fractures were associated with worse functional and symptomatic outcomes.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted from 2012 to 2024, including all patients with isolated greater tuberosity fractures undergoing osteosynthesis at a single institution. GTA measurements before and after osteosynthesis were recorded, along with the latest QuickDash score and constant shoulder score.

Results: Thirty-four patients were recruited, with 25 undergoing osteosynthesis with cannulated screws and eight with anchors. Twenty-two patients self-administered the QuickDash score and completed the constant shoulder score. The average GTA before surgery was 84.2°, reducing to 62.2° post-surgery. The average constant score was 86.8, and the mean QuickDash score was 7.65. The method of osteosynthesis did not significantly influence GTA or the QuickDash and constant scores. Additionally, post-surgery GTA negatively correlated with the constant score (r = - 0.65, p < 0.01).

Conclusions: Patients with isolated greater tuberosity fractures undergoing osteosynthesis experience a change in GTA after surgery. However, they achieved satisfactory symptomatic and functional scores post-surgery. The method of osteosynthesis did not significantly influence the GTA or the QuickDash and constant scores. Furthermore, post-surgery GTA negatively correlated with the constant score.