Long-term outcome of isolated lesser tuberosity fractures of the humerus

Ten cases of an isolated fracture of the lesser tuberosity and their long-term outcome are described. The patient ages at the time of injury ranged from 11 to 68 years, averaging 30 years. In six cases, the injury was acute; in four cases, it had occurred more than 6 months previously. Of the six acute cases: three were treated conservatively, and the result was satisfactory for all of them; surgery was carried out in the other three cases, of which, two outcomes were judged to be excellent, and one outcome was satisfactory. Regarding the four chronic cases, muscle-strengthening exercises were given in two cases, whereas an operation was performed after exercise failed in the remaining two cases. The results of all four cases were graded as excellent. The combination of open reduction and internal fixation is the method most often recommended for acute cases. In chronic cases, conservative treatment is usually the most appropriate. However, when conservative treatment proves to be ineffective, then open reduction and internal fixation should be considered.