Avulsion fracture - greater tuberosity of humerus

Case contributed by Ali Abougazia
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

History of shoulder trauma 3 weeks ago. The patient can't remember the mechanism of trauma. Recurrent pain since.

Patient Data

Age: 50 years
Gender: Female

Left shoulder

mri

The cortical bone of the left greater tuberosity is avulsed at the attachment of the supraspinatus tendon with underlying altered bone marrow signal being of low T1 and high T2 / PD FS / GRE signals.

The supraspinatus tendon shows a small partial thickness tear at its articular surface.

Mild osteoarthritic changes of the acromioclavicular joint.

Mild joint effusion as well as subcoracoid bursitis.

Left shoulder

x-ray

A complementary X-ray was done to confirm the main finding, which showed avulsed cortical fragments superolateral to the greater tuberosity of the humerus.

Case Discussion

Left humeral greater tuberosity avulsion fracture.

Supraspinatus tendon articular surface partial thickness tear.

Mild joint effusion as well as subcoracoid bursitis.

Acromio-clavicular osteoarthritis.

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.