A New "Trapdoor technique" for Fixation of Displaced Greater Tuberosity Fractures of the Shoulder

Abstract

Isolated greater tuberosity fractures of the proximal humerus are frequently displaced posteriorly and superiorly by the pull of the rotator cuff. This displacement can lead to a decline in function if left untreated. Traditionally these fractures have been treated surgically using screw fixation. On occasions this metalwork can remain prominent and potentially cause impingement. We present a new surgical "trapdoor" technique for fixation of isolated greater tuberosity fractures which can avoid these problems and be utilised either open or arthroscopically. Following reduction of the isolated greater tuberosity fragment, two double loaded metal screw in anchors are placed through stab incisions in the rotator cuff at the bone-tendon interface and secured into the humeral head. A suture from each of the anchors is tied together to secure the tuberosity fragment proximally and a suture-less anchor is inserted distal to the fracture site forming an inverted triangle. The remaining sutures are placed through the suture-less anchor and tensioned independently. As the sutures are tied and snugged tight, the distal aspect of the fracture reduces, thus closing the "trapdoor." This is a newly described versatile technique that can be used regardless of the size and comminution of the tuberosity fragment and can be performed either open or arthroscopically. It avoids the problems of metalwork prominence and irritation and the use of the suture-less anchor allows independent tensioning of the sutures to ensure adequate fracture reduction.

Keywords: Fixation; Fracture; Shoulder; Trapdoor; Tuberosity.

Fig. 1

Isolated greater tuberosity fracture

Fig. 2

Mobilised greater tuberosity fragment

Fig. 3

Proximal anchors inserted through cuff

Fig. 4

Final position of anchors with reduction of tuberosity fragment

Fig. 5

Radiograph of post-operative tuberosity fixation