Fracture of the Greater Tuberosity of the Humerus

Michael S. Crowell, Ryan J. Plank

DOI: 10.2519/0411

The patient was a 27-year-old male pilot referred to a physical therapist for a suspected left acromioclavicular joint injury following a fall 3 weeks prior. Physical examination revealed decreased active shoulder flexion, decreased supraspinatus strength, and a positive Hawkins test. Radiographs were ordered and the anterior-posterior radiographic view showed an incomplete nondisplaced fracture in the superior aspect of the greater tuberosity. The patient was placed in a sling for 4 weeks and performed passive range-of-motion exercises to maintain shoulder mobility. Radiographs at 7 weeks following the injury revealed a healed greater tuberosity fracture.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2010;40(7):447. doi:10.2519/jospt.2010.0411

KEY WORDS: radiographs, shoulder

The authors describe a case where radiography was used to diagnose a 27-year-old male with a fracture of the greater tuberosity of the humerus.

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