Fracture locked dislocations of the proximal humerus are challenging injuries due to the energy of the trauma and the instability that is encountered during surgery. Small bony bankart lesions as in this case do not need to be fixed. The progressive development of stiffness usually balances the instability. If the fracture fixation is combined with labrum or bankart repair then there is a concern for development of significant stiffness. The following x-rays demonstrate a patient who was treated with ORIF of the humerus fracture and no repair of the small bony bankart lesion. She regained active elevation of her shoulder to 160 degrees without instability.
