# A Case of Neglected Posterior Fracture Dislocation of the Shoulder Treated With Greater Tuberosity Osteotomy

## TL;DR

A rare case of chronic posterior shoulder dislocation was successfully treated with a surgical procedure involving greater tuberosity osteotomy.

## Contribution

This case highlights the effectiveness of greater tuberosity osteotomy in treating chronic posterior shoulder dislocation.

## Key findings

- The patient showed excellent shoulder function at 24-month follow-up after surgery.
- Postoperative subluxation improved over time due to rotator cuff force coupling.
- Radiological examination confirmed posterior dislocation and glenoid fracture before treatment.

## Abstract

Posterior dislocation of the shoulder joint is a rare condition. It is often misdiagnosed owing to a lack of evident clinical features compared with anterior shoulder dislocation, and inappropriate radiological examination. We present a case of chronic posterior fracture dislocation treated with greater tuberosity osteotomy. A 66-year-old man was injured in a fall while carrying a drone. He was referred to our hospital following 3 months of conservative treatment at a nearby clinic, without reduction of the posterior dislocation. Physical examination revealed a prominent reduction in shoulder joint range of motion and shoulder pain. Radiological examination revealed posterior shoulder dislocation associated with greater tuberosity malunion and a small bone fracture of the posterior portion of the glenoid. Open reduction and internal fixation, including greater tuberosity osteotomy, were performed. Although subluxation of the posterior dislocation persisted postoperatively, the humeral head gradually returned to its centric shoulder joint position owing to rotator cuff force coupling. At 24-month follow-up, the patient showed excellent shoulder results.