Isolated Avulsion Fracture of the Lesser Tuberosity of the Humerus: Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Isolated avulsion fracture of the lesser tuberosity of the humerus is a rare injury. It is easily missed because the fracture is difficult to visualize in routine plain radiographs of the shoulder. This article reports a man who sustained a right shoulder injury after a fall. Physical examination found local tenderness over the anterior aspect of his right humerus. The initial plain radiographs of shoulder showed no fracture. However, the axillary view demonstrated a rare isolated avulsion fracture of the lesser tuberosity. He was treated nonoperatively with good clinical outcome.

Keywords

• avulsion fracture
• humerus
• lesser tuberosity