AO X-shaped midfoot locking plate to treat displaced isolated greater tuberosity fractures

Although various implants exist for 3- and 4-part fractures, few implants are appropriate for isolated greater tuberosity fractures. This retrospective study evaluated the efficacy of AO X-shaped midfoot locking plates for greater tuberosity fractures. Between May 2008 and September 2009, nineteen patients with displaced greater tuberosity fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation using AO X-shaped midfoot locking plates. Postoperatively, radiographs, functional results, and complications were evaluated. All patients were followed up for a mean 33.2 months (range, 24-42 months). Mean healing time was 9.4 weeks (range, 8-14 weeks). Mean Constant score was 90.6±4.0 points (range, 77-95 points). Excellent results were obtained in 16 cases, good in 2 cases, moderate in 1 case, and poor in 0 cases. The excellent-good rate was 94.7%. No recurrence of dislocation occurred in the 11 cases with shoulder dislocation. All fractures healed without the complications of wound infection, skin numbness, subacromial impingement syndrome, nonunion, secondary displacement, and implant loosening. The described technique is an effective, simple, and inexpensive method with a short learning curve.