IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Avulsion fractures of greater and lesser tuberosities of humerus

Case contributed by Maulik S Patel
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

One day prior to the presentation, a young male slipped on the wet floor while walking. Presented with a complaint of left shoulder pain, restricted movements.

Patient Data

Age: 30 years
Gender: Male

AP view shows mildly displaced fracture involving greater tuberosity of the humeral head. Axial view shows a significantly displaced fracture of lesser tuberosity of humeral head. There is no dislocation/ bone lesion.

There is minimally displaced fracture of greater tuberosity of humeral head at infraspinatus footprint. There is a displaced fracture involving lesser tuberosity of humeral head. There is a large defect at lesser tuberosity location. Few fibers of subscapularis tendon are still attached to residual cranial part of lesser tuberosity. Biceps long head, supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons are intact. There is no bursal effusion/ glenohumeral joint effusion.

Case Discussion

The case shows two avulsion fractures of the head of the humerus. The greater tuberosity avulsion is a common injury. The less tuberosity avulsion is a very uncommon injury.  Combination of two avulsions is rare.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.