Arthroscopic management of occult greater tuberosity fracture of the shoulder.

Purpose: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the early results of arthroscopic treatment in patients with missed occult greater tuberosity (GT) fracture of the humerus using the arthroscopic suture-bridge fixation technique.

Methods: Between January 2007 and August 2010, we used arthroscopic suture-bridge fixation in 15 cases of missed occult GT fractures, which were referred to our department with persistent symptoms following trauma, despite physical therapy. Occult GT fracture was diagnosed with bone marrow edema seen on magnetic resonance imaging in all patients.