Objective: The objective of the study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of anatomical plate fixation, open reduction with cannulated screw fixation, and percutaneous cannulated screw fixation in patients with isolated greater tuberosity fractures of the proximal humerus.
Materials and
Methods: A retrospective comparative study was conducted on 36 patients who underwent surgical treatment for isolated greater tuberosity fractures. Patients were divided into three groups according to the fixation technique: Plate fixation (n=12), open cannulated screw fixation (n=14), and percutaneous cannulated screw fixation (n=10). Functional outcomes were evaluated using the Constant-Murley score, pain using the visual analog scale (VAS), and shoulder range of motion measurements. Radiological outcomes and complications were also assessed.

Results: The mean Constant score was significantly higher in the open cannulated screw fixation group compared with the plate fixation and percutaneous screw fixation groups (89.0±2.9 vs. 80.7±5.7 and 78.6±4.1, respectively; p<0.001). Patients treated with open screw fixation demonstrated significantly greater forward flexion, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation. No significant differences were observed among the groups regarding VAS scores (p=0.602). Complication rates were comparable among the three groups.

Conclusion: All three fixation techniques provided satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes in the treatment of isolated greater tuberosity fractures. However, open reduction with cannulated screw fixation was associated with superior functional outcomes and improved shoulder range of motion.