Shoulder Case 11 Background

Greater tuberosity fractures are commonly seen with comminuted proximal humerus fractures, but isolated greater tuberosity fractures are much less common (19% of all isolated proximal humerus fractures).

They may occur with anterior shoulder dislocations or from an impaction injury. Five to 30% of anterior shoulder dislocations are complicated by greater tuberosity fractures. These fractures are associated with rotator cuff tears, Hill Sachs lesions and nerve injuries (axillary, brachial plexus, median, and ulnar).