Double-row suture anchors under arthroscopy for avulsion-type greater tuberosity fractures (Mutch type I)

Liu Gang; Zhang Lei; Wang Guo-you; Zhou Xin; Zhang Tao; Guan Tai-yuan; Guo Xiao-guang; Fu Shi-jie

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.2017.19.009

Abstract：BACKGROUND: Greater tuberosity of humerus, as the attachment point of rotator cuff, plays a vital role in shoulder.Neer and AO classification for proximal humeral fractures have been accepted extensively. However, the classification for single greater tuberosity fractures of the proximal humerus is little reported, and its fixation method remains controversial.OBJECTIVE: To explore the curative efficacy of the double-row suture anchors under arthroscopy for avulsion-type greater tuberosity fractures (Mutch type Ⅰ) METHODS: Clinical data of 24 patients with avulsion-type greater tuberosity fractures (Mutch type Ⅰ) undergoing double-row suture anchors under arthroscopy were analyzed retrospectively. The displacement distance of the greater tuberosity of humerus was measured on CT before and after fixation. The shoulder joint was evaluated by Constant-Murley Score and the University of California, Los Angeles score at baseline, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Besides, the visual analogue scale scores were detected at baseline and 12 months postoperatively.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Double-row suture anchors effectively improved the displacement of greater tuberosity and rotator cuff injury. (2) The patients accompanied by rotator cuff injury accounted for 79.16%. (3) The Constant-Murley Score and the University of California, Los Angeles scores were significantly improved at each time point (P < 0.05). The visual analogue scale scores after fixation were significantly superior to those before fixation (P < 0.05). (4) These results suggest that the double-row suture anchors under arthroscopy can effectively improve the displacement of greater tuberosity and alleviate the pain. Moreover, it is conductive for early recovery of the shoulder function with little trauma, so it is a good choice for avulsion-type greater tuberosity fractures (Mutch type Ⅰ).