Expanding the indications of horizontal plate fixation to the proximal humerus: Technical note and clinical series.

Abstract

Isolated greater tuberosity fractures of the proximal humerus are relatively uncommon injuries, and there is no consensus regarding the optimal fixation method for displaced fractures. This study aimed to describe a horizontal plate fixation technique and to demonstrate its clinical applicability and feasibility in the treatment of isolated greater tuberosity fractures. This study consists of a technical description of the horizontal plate fixation technique, followed by its retrospective clinical application. A series of 11 patients with isolated greater tuberosity fractures treated with this method between 2009 and 2021 was included. All patients had a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Functional outcomes were assessed using the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder Rating Scale. All patients achieved fracture union. The mean UCLA score was 30, with predominantly good functional outcomes. Most patients reported mild or occasional pain and minimal functional limitation. Horizontal plate osteosynthesis is a reproducible and accessible technique that demonstrated satisfactory clinical applicability in this series of patients with isolated greater tuberosity fractures. Further studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.