search for




 

Neglected subscapularis apophyseal plate avulsion fracture in skeletal immaturity: a case report
Arthrosc Orthop Sports Med 2023;10:82-86
Published online November 1, 2023;  https://doi.org/10.14517/aosm23011
© 2023 Korean Arthroscopy Society and Korean Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine.

Kwang Kyun Yang1, Sung Il Wang1,2

1Research Insitute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University–Biomedical Research Insitute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, 2Department of Orthopaedics Surgery, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea
Correspondence to: Sung Il Wang, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3890-6516
Department of Orthopaedics Surgery, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Research Insitute for Endocrine Sciences and Research Insitute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University–Biomedical Research Insitute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, 567 Baekje-daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju 54896, Korea. Tel: +82-63-250-1760, Fax: +82-63-271-6538, E-mail: wsi1205@naver.com
Received August 13, 2023; Revised October 6, 2023; Accepted October 7, 2023.
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Abstract
The avulsion of the subscapularis apophyseal plate or lesser tuberosity in patients with skeletal immaturity is a rare occurrence. These sports-related injuries have been reported in hockey, lacrosse, baseball, football, wrestling, and soccer. The incidence of injury in younger patients has increased with greater participation in athletic activity, but subscapularis apophyseal plate avulsion or lesser tuberosity avulsion fractures are frequently missed. Delayed diagnosis inevitably results in nonunion, chronic shoulder pain, and functional deterioration. Here, we present a case of a subscapularis apophyseal plate avulsion fracture that occurred at 12 years of age and was neglected for 10 years. This case report aimed to draw attention to the importance of accurate diagnosis and early treatment for subscapularis apophyseal plate avulsion fracture.
Keywords : Subscapularis; Tendons; Lesser tuberosity; Avulsion; Adolescent
References
  1. White GM, Riley LH Jr. Isolated avulsion of the subscapularis insertion in a child. A case report. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1985;67:635-6.
    CrossRef
  2. Echlin PS, Plomaritis ST, Peck DM, Skopelja EN. Subscapularis avulsion fractures in 2 pediatric ice hockey players. Am J Orthop (Belle Mead NJ) 2006;35:281-4.
  3. Sugalski MT, Hyman JE, Ahmad CS. Avulsion fracture of the lesser tuberosity in an adolescent baseball pitcher: a case report. Am J Sports Med 2004;32:793-6.
    Pubmed CrossRef
  4. Levine B, Pereira D, Rosen J. Avulsion fractures of the lesser tuberosity of the humerus in adolescents: review of the literature and case report. J Orthop Trauma 2005;19:349-52.
  5. Chalmers CE, Wright DJ, Patel NA, et al. Biomechanical investigation of arm position on deforming muscular forces in proximal humerus fractures. Clin Shoulder Elb 2022;25:282-7.
    Pubmed KoreaMed CrossRef
  6. Yoon JP. Subscapularis tendon tear involving the first facet. Clin Shoulder Elb 2022;25:91-2.
    Pubmed KoreaMed CrossRef
  7. Bedoya MA, Barrera CA, Bencardino JT, Ho-Fung V. Humeral lesser tuberosity avulsion fractures - magnetic resonance imaging characteristics in the pediatric population. Pediatr Radiol 2021;51:1421-30.
    Pubmed CrossRef
  8. Chen FS, Diaz VA, Loebenberg M, Rosen JE. Shoulder and elbow injuries in the skeletally immature athlete. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2005;13:172-85.
    Pubmed CrossRef
  9. Provance AJ, Polousky JD. Isolated avulsion fracture of the subscapularis tendon with medial dislocation and tear of biceps tendon in a skeletally immature athlete: a case report. Curr Opin Pediatr 2010;22:366-8.
    Pubmed CrossRef
  10. Gerber C, Krushell RJ. Isolated rupture of the tendon of the subscapularis muscle. Clinical features in 16 cases. J Bone Joint Surg Br 1991;73:389-94.
    Pubmed CrossRef
  11. Vavken P, Bae DS, Waters PM, Flutie B, Kramer DE. Treating subscapularis and lesser tuberosity avulsion injuries in skeletally immature patients: a systematic review. Arthroscopy 2016;32:919-28.
    Pubmed CrossRef
  12. Earwaker J. Isolated avulsion fracture of the lesser tuberosity of the humerus. Skeletal Radiol 1990;19:121-5.
    Pubmed CrossRef
  13. Vezeridis PS, Bae DS, Kocher MS, Kramer DE, Yen YM, Waters PM. Surgical treatment for avulsion injuries of the humeral lesser tuberosity apophysis in adolescents. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2011;93:1882-8.
    Pubmed CrossRef


November 2023, 10 (2)