Purpose: This study aimed to assess whether values of GTA after osteosynthesis of isolated greater tuberosity fractures were associated with worse functional and symptomatic outcomes.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted from 2012 till 2024, including all patients with isolated greater tuberosity fractures who underwent osteosynthesis at a single institution. GTA measurements before and after osteosynthesis were recorded, along with the latest quick Dash score and CONSTANT shoulder score
Results: Thirty-four patients were recruited, with 25 undergoing osteosynthesis with cannulated screws and 8 with anchors. Twenty-two patients self-administered the QuickDash score and completed the Constant–Shoulder score. The average GTA before surgery was 84.2°, which was reduced to 62.2° postsurgery. The average CONSTANT score was 86.8, and the mean Quick Dash score was 7.65. The method of osteosynthesis did not significantly influence the GTA or the QuickDash or Constant scores. Additionally, postsurgery GTA was negatively correlated with the CONSTANT score(r=-0.65, p<0.01).
Conclusions: Patients with isolated greater tuberosity fractures who underwent osteosynthesis experienced a change in the GTA after surgery. However, they achieved satisfactory symptomatic and functional scores postsurgery. The method of osteosynthesis did not significantly influence the GTA or the QuickDash or CONSTANT scores. Furthermore, postsurgery GTA was negatively correlated with the CONSTANT score.