# Epidemiology and time trends of isolated greater tuberosity fractures from 1944 to 2020 – A cohort study in Malmö, Sweden

## TL;DR

This study examines the occurrence of isolated greater tuberosity fractures in Malmö, Sweden, from 1944 to 2020, finding differences in incidence between men and women across age groups.

## Contribution

The study provides detailed epidemiological data on isolated greater tuberosity fractures in a single population over a long time period.

## Key findings

- IGTF incidence is higher in men under 50 years and higher in women over 50 years.
- No significant time trend in IGTF incidence was observed from 1944 to 2020.
- Most IGTFs were classified as avulsion or split fractures.

## Abstract

Although up to 25% of proximal humeral fractures are isolated greater tuberosity fractures (IGTFs), comprehensive epidemiological data are lacking.

Describe the epidemiology and time trends of IGTF in Malmö, Sweden, 1944–2020.

We identified IGTF in Malmö residents (≥18 years) by reviewing relevant radiology examinations during 17 sample years from 1944 to 2020. Fractures were classified according to the Mutch classification.

In total, 614 IGTF (60% women) were identified (mean age women 60 (SD 16), men 48 (SD 16)). Among individuals <50 years, the incidence was lower in women than men (9 95% confidence interval (CI) 7–10] vs 15 [95% CI 13–18] per 100,000 persons years) whereas the reverse was found in individuals ≥50 years (36 [95% CI 30–42] vs 19 [16–23]). No statistically significant time trends in the incidence rate were observed from year 1944 to 2020. We identified 45% avulsion-, 44% split- and 11% depression-fractures.

IGTF is more common in men than women in age-group <50 years, while the opposite is found in age-group ≥50 years. No statistically significant time trend was observed in IGTF incidence from 1944 to 2020 in Malmö, Sweden.