Avulsion fractures of the lesser tuberosity of the humerus in adolescents: review of the literature and case report.

Overview

Isolated fracture of the lesser tuberosity is an unusual phenomenon in children and adolescents. These injuries are difficult to diagnose acutely and often present as chronic shoulder pain. In this study, we report on 1 case of a displaced lesser tuberosity apophysis avulsion fracture in an adolescent treated with open reduction and internal fixation, as well as a review of the literature. A 14-year-old adolescent male presented to the senior surgeon complaining of left shoulder pain and weakness 10 days after a wrestling injury. He was diagnosed with a displaced, isolated fracture of the lesser tuberosity apophysis for which he underwent open reduction and internal fixation. A combination of sutures passed through drill holes in the proximal humerus and bioabsorbable suture tacks were used to anatomically fix the lesser tuberosity fragment and subscapularis tendon. Postoperatively, he underwent a progressive physical therapy regimen. At 4 months follow-up, he had full range of motion, complete return of strength, and returned to competitive athletics. We report here on the successful surgical treatment of a fracture of the lesser tuberosity apophysis in an adolescent.