Does healing of both greater and lesser tuberosities improve functional outcome after reverse shoulder arthroplasty for fracture? A retrospective study of twenty-eight cases with a computed tomography scan at a minimum of one-year follow-up.

Purpose: Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is often indicated in elderly patients with displaced proximal humerus fractures (PHF). The rate of greater tuberosity (GT) healing varies from 37 to 90% in this population. The aim of this study was to assess greater and lesser tuberosity (LT) fixation and healing on CT scan after RSA for PHF. Our hypothesis was that both GT and LT healing leads to better functional results after RSA for fracture.

Methods: Our retrospective cohort consisted of 28 patients treated with an RSA for a four-part PHF during the inclusion period. The mean age at surgery was 77 years. Clinical examination and CT scan were performed at a minimum one year follow-up to assess tuberosity position and healing.

Results: The GT healed in 22 patients (78.5%), the LT in 24 patients (87.5%) and both tuberosities were healed in 20 patients (71.5%). Constant score was significantly improved with GT, LT and both tuberosity healing (p = 0.05, p = 0.04 and p = 0.02 respectively). Motion in anterior elevation was improved with GT and both tuberosity healing (p = 0.01 and p = 0.04 respectively). Motion in external rotation was improved with GT and both tuberosity healing (p = 0.01 and p = 0.02 respectively).

Conclusion: GT and LT healing was associated with better functional results and active motion. Anatomical reduction and consolidation of both tuberosities is beneficial with a cumulative effect for functional recovery.