Intra-articular Lesions and Clinical Outcomes in Traumatic Anterior Shoulder Dislocation Associated with Greater Tuberosity Fracture of the Humerus

Background: This study investigated and evaluated the clinical outcomes of intra-articular lesions of traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation (TASD) associated with greater tuberosity (GT) fracture of the humerus. Methods: Subjects included 20 patients who were surgically or non-surgically treated for GT fracture of the humeurs with TASD, and followed-up for at least 2 years. The mean follow-up period was 54.1 months (range, 24-105 months). Of the 20 patients, 12 were treated surgically. Intra-articular lesions were identified randomly on magnetic resonance imaging scans (repeated thrice) by experienced radiologists and orthopedic surgeons. The accompanying intra-articular lesions were left untreated. Clinical outcomes were evaluated by Simple Shoulder Test (SST) and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability index (WOSI) at the last follow-up. Results: Intra-articular lesions were identified in 19 patients: 7 Bankart lesions, 15 humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament lesions, 3 glenoid avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament lesion, and 6 inferior capsular tears. Two or more intra-articular lesions were identified in 6 patients. The mean SST score was 10.9 and the mean WOSI score was 449.3 at the last follow-up. Conclusions: For GT fracture of the humerus with TASD, a high frequency of diverse intra-articular lesions was identified. There were no incidence of recurrent shoulder dislocations, and good clinical outcomes were obtained without treatment of the intra-articular lesions. We thereby comprehend that although intra-articular lesions may occur in TASD associated with GT fracture of the humeurs, merely treating the GT fracture of the humerus is sufficient.