Korean J Sports Med.  2024 Sep;42(3):229-232. 10.5763/kjsm.2024.42.3.229.

Avulsion Fracture of the Lesser Tuberosity of the Humerus in Adolescent: A Case Report and Literature Review

• Yoo JC
• Kim SH
• Park SH
• Kim JH
• Park YB

• KMID: 2558671
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5763/kjsm.2024.42.3.229

Abstract

During adolescence, traumas in the subscapularis muscle lead more often to osseous avulsion of the lesser tuberosity or subscapularis tendon, as opposed to often to intrasubstance tendinous injury in adults. This injury is commonly diagnosed as persistent shoulder pain, and it is difficult to diagnose immediately. This article is a case report of teenage patient who underwent open reduction and internal fixation for a displaced lesser tuberosity avulsion fracture. After experiencing a sports trauma 8 months ago, a 14-year-old male came to our clinic complaining of right shoulder pain and weakness. We used a cannulated screw to humeral lesser tuberosity and repaired infraspinatus additionally. We applied a progressive physical therapy regimen postoperatively. On postoperative 6 months, full range of motion of shoulder joint and strength was restored. We report our successful surgical treatment outcome of a fracture of the lesser tuberosity in an adolescent.

Keyword

Humerus; Avulsion fractures; Adolescent

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Right shoulder X-ray. (A) Anteroposterior image. A bone shadow of approximately 55×10 mm was observed in the metaphysis of the proximal humerus (arrow). (B) On the lateral radiograph, a bone shadow of 40×13 mm was observed parallel with the diaphysis of the proximal humerus (arrowhead).

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  Fig. 2 Right shoulder magnetic resonance imaging of (A) axial and (B) sagittal views. A bone defect in the lesser tuberosity, a complete rupture of the infraspinatus, and an irregularly shaped bony lesion approximately 55×13×20 mm in size were observed.

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