A useful and reliable Classification of Greater Tuberosity Fractures

What is it about?

This article presents the Morphologic classification for Greater Tuberosity fractures of the proximal humerus. There are 3 types: Depression, Avulsion and Split. These types are easily and reliably classified using plain X-ray and have an impact on the type of surgical treatment that can be employed. They may also reflect different mechanisms of injury, but this is beyond the scope of this article (which is retrospective in design).

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Why is it important?

Greater Tuberosity fractures come in three distinct morphologies. These affect their surgical management and likely reflect their mechanism of injury. The 3 morphological types (Split, Avulsion, Depression) are also have different rates of associated injuries (glenohumeral dislocation, rotator cuff tear) and this may impact subsequent management.