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