Injury - 2026-08-26 - Journal Article
Expanding the indications of horizontal plate fixation to the proximal humerus: Technical note and clinical series.
Machado JKS, da Silva Cordeiro R, Dos Santos DR
Topics
Key Takeaway
Horizontal plate fixation for isolated greater tuberosity fractures achieved 100% union and a mean UCLA score of 30 in all 11 patients at minimum 24-month follow-up.
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Summary
This study describes a horizontal plate fixation technique for isolated displaced greater tuberosity fractures and reports its retrospective clinical outcomes in 11 patients treated between 2009 and 2021. All patients achieved radiographic union, with a mean UCLA Shoulder Rating Scale score of 30, predominantly good functional outcomes, and minimal pain or functional limitation at final follow-up.
Key Limitation
The absence of a control or comparator group makes it impossible to determine whether horizontal plate fixation offers any advantage over established techniques such as suture anchor repair or cannulated screw fixation.
Original Abstract
INTRODUCTION
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.
METHODS
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.
RESULTS
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.
CONCLUSION
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.