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

BACKGROUND

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

OBJECTIVES

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

METHODS

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.

RESULTS

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.

CONCLUSIONS

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.