Abstract: Objective To investigate the clinical outcome of double-row suture anchor bridge fixation in the treatment of humeral greater tuberosity fracture in elderly patients. Methods Clinical data of 17 cases of greater tuberosity fracture in elderly patients over 60 years old who were treated from January 2017 to December 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. All cases were treated by lateral approach, open reduction and fixation by double-row suture anchor bridge technique. The shoulder were supported by suspension sling and taken pendulum exercise in 2 weeks after operation. After 2 weeks, the external fixation was removed and early functional exercise should be taken. Results All the 17 patients were followed up for 9 to 24 months with an average of 14.0±5.4 months. There were no complications such as incision infection, fracture redisplacement and joint stiffness. The average Constant-Murley score of shoulder was 88.6±12.5(80-95), 12 cases were excellent, 5 cases were good, and the excellent and good rate was 100%. VAS(visual analogue pain score)was used to assess pain situation. The mean VAS score was 0.8±0.6(0-2). Conclusion This study demonstrates that double-row suture anchor bridge fixation is a reliable option in the treatment of greater tuberosity fracture in elderly patients, which has the advantages of minimal surgical incision, preventing secondary injury to greater tubercle fragment, and allowing early active shoulder rehabilitation.

Key words: greater tuberosity, fracture, suture anchor, internal fixation