Clinical Results of Anterior Dislocation of Shoulder Complicated by Fracture of Greater Tuberosity with its Attached Rotator Cuff

Lee, Chang Ju; Cho, Won Ho; Chang, Ho Guen; Kim, Joo Sung

Abstract

In anterior dislocations of shoulder complicated by fracture of greater tuberosity, the prognosis of shoulder after reduction of dislocation depends upon associated injury of the rotator cuff. Early recognition and repair are thought to be essential if better functions is to be obtained. Among 40 patients with 41 dislocations, 28 cases with fracture of greater tuberosity were managed and treated at the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hangang Sacredheart Hospital, Hallym University, from January, 1985 to December, 1988. The results obtained from this study were as follows: l. Among 40 patients with 41 cases of fracture-dislocation, 27 patients with 28 cases(68.3%) were complicated by fracture of greater tuberosity. Most of these were by traffic accident and occurred at the age of 40s and 50s. 2. According to the Depalma's classifcation, the most common type was type 2(15 cases, 53.5%). 3. Open reduction with repair of cuff was done in 2 cases of type 2 and 4 cases of type 3. 4. Rotator cuff injury was confirmed in eight operatively treated cases and in 3 cases by arthrography and ultrasonography. 5. Five operatively treated cases of fracture-dislocation with rotator cuff injury showed improved function especially in abduction. Therefore in anterior disloations with fracture of greater tuberosity, careful evaluation of anatomic reduction state of fragment after reduction and accompanying rotator cuff injury is necessary. If the fragment retracts under the acromion or still shows displacement more than 8-10mm after reduction, we may assume that a tear of rotator cuff is present and open reduction of fracture with repair of rotator cuff is essential for the better function of the shoulder.