Delayed Repair of a Lesser Tuberosity Avulsion Fracture in an Adolescent 3 Years After Initial Injury

Abstract

This case study examines an adolescent athlete who had an avulsion fracture of the lesser tuberosity of the humerus. This is a relatively rare injury, although a collection of case studies have identified an increase in this type of injury in the past 15 years. Uniquely, the patient experienced a delay in appropriate diagnosis for approximately 3 years from the time of his initial injury. This is one of the most significant delays in diagnosis and treatment in the current body of literature regarding lesser tuberosity fractures. The authors include a detailed series of imaging studies, including preoperative plain radiographs, preoperative computed tomography, intraoperative arthroscopic images, and postoperative plain radiographs. In addition, a thorough description of the patient's surgery is presented. The degree of scarring to the axillary nerve present in this patient required conversion to a full open reduction. The authors' aim is that this case can be used as a reference for future surgical decision making, particularly in pediatric patients whose injuries are highly chronic or who are actively involved in athletic physical training programs. [ Orthopedics . 20XX;XX(X):xx–xx.]