Avulsion Fracture of the Lesser Tuberosity of the Humerus in Adolescent:A Case Report and Literature Review

Author: Jae Chul YOO ¹ ; Sung Hwan KIM ; Sin Hyung PARK ; Jae Hyun KIM ; Yong Bok PARK
Author Information

1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea
Publication Type:Case Report
From:The Korean Journal of Sports Medicine 2024;42(3):229-232
CountryRepublic of Korea
Language:English
Abstract: During adolescence, traumas in the subscapularis muscle lead more often to osseous avulsion of the lesser tuberosity or subscapularis tendon, as opposed to often to intrasubstance tendinous injury in adults. This injury is commonly diagnosed as persistent shoulder pain, and it is difficult to diagnose immediately. This article is a case report of teenage patient who underwent open reduction and internal fixation for a displaced lesser tuberosity avulsion fracture. After experiencing a sports trauma 8 months ago, a 14-year-old male came to our clinic complaining of right shoulder pain and weakness. We used a cannulated screw to humeral lesser tuberosity and repaired infraspinatus additionally. We applied a progressive physical therapy regimen postoperatively. On postoperative 6 months, full range of motion of shoulder joint and strength was restored. We report our successful surgical treatment outcome of a fracture of the lesser tuberosity in an adolescent.