The Scapular Skiver Screw: A Useful Fixation Technique for Inferior Glenoid and Scapular Neck Fractures.

SUMMARY: The inferior glenoid and scapular neck are common locations for scapular fractures. Operative exposures for reduction and fixation can be challenging, and frequently, the proximal fracture planes are not conducive to optimal fixation with a plate alone. The purpose of this article was to describe a new technique for enhancing fixation in specific inferior glenoid fractures using a single cortical lag screw.

Scapula fractures: functional anatomy, clinical assessment and management.

Fractures of the scapula are rare injuries, accounting for 3-5% of all shoulder girdle fractures. They are frequently the result of high energy trauma and often present with concurrent and life-threatening injuries to adjacent structures, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Patients presenting with scapula fractures must receive a thorough and systematic clinical assessment as directed by national trauma guidelines. Appropriate imaging is essential in delineating fracture morphology and should at the very least include anteroposterior, anteroposterior oblique (Grashey) and axillary or scapula 'Y' view of the shoulder. Computed tomography imaging with three-dimensional reconstruction allows better delineation of the fracture morphology and helps with surgical planning. A lack of randomised controlled trials comparing the efficacy of conservative and operative management of scapula fractures has resulted in limited consensus for surgical indications. Nevertheless, most extra-articular fractures can be managed conservatively while intra-articular fractures of the glenoid frequently require surgical fixation.

Scapular fractures: A regional and rural perspective.

INTRODUCTION: Scapular fractures (SFs) have historically been associated with severe trauma and multiple injuries. Recent studies have demonstrated improved outcomes. However, SFs have never been studied from a strictly rural or Australian perspective. OBJECTIVE: The study's objective was to assess whether associations still exist between a fractured scapula and trauma scores, mortality rates, and other commonly associated injuries in a regional Australian trauma centre. DESIGN: The study design examined prospectively collected data from a regional hospital between the years 2012 to 2021 presenting to the emergency department with traumatic SFs. Primary outcomes of interest were mortality rate, method of injury, ISS scores, and associated injuries. FINDINGS: One hundred and five patients had a SF. The median age was 49 with 93 (89%) being male. Most fractures were located in the body of the scapula (80%). The primary mechanism of injury was motorbike accidents (36%), falls (24%), and motor vehicle accidents (22%). Two patients died from their injuries (1.9%). Thirty-four percent demonstrated mild trauma scores, with 36% moderate, 28% severe, and 1.9% critical. Commonly observed associated injuries included chest wall fractures, vertebral fractures, thoracic injuries, brain injury, and abdominal trauma. DISCUSSION: A minority of SFs were associated with severe or critical trauma, and overall, patients who sustained a SF had a low mortality rate. These findings suggest that patients from regional areas have similar outcomes to those from more urban centres in other parts of the world. CONCLUSION: Given these results, a re-examination of whether SFs are a reliable marker of severe trauma should be considered.

Robert H. Cofield, MD, Award for Best Oral Presentation 2023: Up to 8 mm of glenoid-sided lateralization does not increase the risk of acromial or scapular spine stress fracture following reverse shoulder arthroplasty with a 135° inlay humeral component.

BACKGROUND: Glenoid-sided lateralization in reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) decreases bony impingement and improves rotational range of motion, but has been theorized to increase the risk of acromial or scapular spine fractures (ASFs). The purpose of this study was to assess if glenoid-sided lateralization even up to 8 mm increases the risk for stress fracture following RSA with a 135° inlay humeral component. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed from a multicenter prospectively collected database on patients who underwent primary RSA from 2015 to 2021. All RSAs were performed with a 135° inlay humeral component. Varying amounts of glenoid lateralization were used from 0 to 8 mm. Preoperative radiographs were reviewed for the presence of acromial thinning, acromiohumeral distance (AHD), and inclination. Postoperative implant position (distalization, lateralization, and inclination) as well as the presence of ASF was evaluated on minimum 1-year postoperative radiographs. Regression analyses were performed on component and clinical variables to assess for factors predictive of ASF. RESULTS: Acromial or scapular spine fractures were identified in 26 of 470 shoulders (5.5%). Glenoid-sided lateralization was not associated with ASF risk (P = .890). Furthermore, the incidence of fracture did not vary based on glenoid-sided lateralization (0-2 mm, 7.4%; 4 mm, 5.6%; 6 mm, 4.4%; 8 mm, 6.0%; P > .05 for all comparisons). RSA on the dominant extremity was predictive of fracture (odds ratio [OR] 2.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20-5.75; P = .037), but there was no relationship between patient age, sex, preoperative acromial thinning, or diagnosis and risk of fracture. Although there was no difference in mean postoperative AHD between groups (P = .443), the pre- to postoperative delta AHD was higher in the stress fracture group (2.0 ± 0.7 cm vs. 1.7 ± 0.7 cm; P = .015). For every centimeter increase in delta AHD, there was a 121% increased risk for fracture (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.33-3.68; P = .012). Additionally, for every 1-mm increase in inferior glenosphere overhang, there was a 19% increase in fracture risk (P = .025). CONCLUSION: Up to 8 mm of glenoid-sided metallic lateralization does not appear to increase the risk of ASF when combined with a 135° inlay humeral implant. Humeral distalization increases the risk of ASF, particularly when there is a larger change between pre- and postoperative AHD or higher inferior glenosphere overhang. In cases of pronounced preoperative superior humeral migration, it may be a consideration to avoid excessive postoperative distalization, but minimizing bony impingement via glenoid-sided lateralization appears to be safe.

Do preoperative scapular fractures affect long-term outcomes after reverse shoulder arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND: Postoperative scapular stress fractures (SSFs) are a formidable problem after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). Less is known about patients who have these fractures preoperatively. The primary aim of this study was to examine postoperative satisfaction in patients undergoing primary RSA who have preoperative SSF and compared to a matched cohort without preoperative fracture. The secondary aim was to examine the differences in patient-reported outcomes between and within study cohorts. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of primary RSAs performed by a single surgeon from 2000 to 2020 was conducted. Patients diagnosed with cuff tear arthropathy (CTA), massive cuff tear (MCT), or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were included. Five hundred twenty-five shoulders met inclusion criteria. Fractures identified on preoperative computed tomography scans were divided into 3 groups: (1) os acromiale, (2) multifragments (MFs), and (3) Levy types. Seventy-two shoulders had an occurrence of SSF. The remaining 453 shoulders were separated into a nonfractured cohort. American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were compared pre- and postoperatively in the total fracture group and the nonfractured group cohort. The multifragment subgroup was also compared to the pooled Os/Levy subgroup. RESULTS: The total incidence of SSF in all shoulders was 13.7%. There was a difference in satisfaction scores at all time points between the nonfracture (7.9 ± 2.8) and total fracture group (5.4 ± 3.6, P < .001, at last visit). There was also a greater ASES total score in the nonfractured group vs the total fracture group at the final visit (69.4 ± 23.4 and 62.1 ± 24.2; P = .02). The MF group had worse ASES functional or VAS functional scores than the Os/Levy group at all time points: at 1 year, ASES function: MF 24.2 ± 14.5 and Os/Levy 30.7 ± 14.2 (P = .045); at 2 years, ASES function: MF 21.4 ± 14.4 and Os/Levy 35.5 ± 10.6 (P < .001); and at last follow-up, VAS function: MF 4.8 ± 2.8 and Os/Levy 6.4 ± 3.2 (P = .023). DISCUSSION: Scapular fractures were proportionally most common in patients diagnosed with CTA (16.3%) compared with a 9.2% and 8.6% incidence in patients diagnosed with MCT and RA, respectively. Patients with preoperative SSF still see an improvement in ASES scores after RSA but do have lower satisfaction scores compared with the nonfractured cohort. The multifragment fracture group has lower functional and satisfaction scores at all postoperative time points compared with both the nonfracture and the Os/Levy fracture group.

Ipsilateral fractures of the acromion and coracoid processes of the scapula.

A fracture of the acromion and coracoid processes of scapula is rarely seen in the outpatient clinic, due to the acromion's anatomical position and shape, as well as the strong ligaments and muscles that are attached to it. These fractures are caused by either direct or indirect high-energy trauma injuries to the shoulder joint, leading to severe pain and a grossly restricted range of motion. Several acromial classifications were reported, but this type of longitudinal plane fracture of the acromion process in our case is yet to be described in the current literature. We present a rare combination of the coracoid process and unstable acromion bony projection fractures that have not previously been noted for this type of fracture. The closest to this is Kuhn's type III classification. A 51-year-old male presented to our emergency department complaining of the right shoulder pain and difficulty raising his arm following a 2-wheeler accident. The patient was managed by open reduction and internal fixation with 3 cannulated cancellous screws fixation and progressed well with no postoperative complications. He was asymptomatic postoperatively and regained full range of motion after 4 months.

Three-Dimensional Mapping of Scapular Body, Neck, and Glenoid Fractures.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to report patterns of scapular fractures and define them with a contemporary methodology. METHODS: . DESIGN: Retrospective study, 2015-2021. SETTING: Single, academic, Level 1 trauma center. PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA: Consecutive patients ≥18 years, presenting with unilateral scapula fracture, with thin-slice (≤0.5-mm) bilateral computed tomography (CT) scans of the entirety of both the injured and uninjured scapulae. OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS: Thin-slice (0.5-mm) CT scans of injured and normal scapulae were obtained to create three-dimensional (3D) virtual models. 3D modeling software (Stryker Orthopedics Modeling and Analytics, Stryker Trauma GmbH, Kiel, Germany aka SOMA) was used to create a 3D map of fracture location and frequency. Fracture zones were delineated using anatomic landmarks to characterize fracture patterns. RESULTS: Eighty-seven patients were identified with 75 (86%) extra-articular and 12 (14%) intra-articular fractures. The dominant fracture pattern emanated from the superior lateral border (zone E) to an area inferior to the spinomedial angle (zone B) and was present in 80% of extra-articular fractures. A second-most common fracture line propagated from the primary (most-common) line toward the inferior medial scapular border with a frequency of 36%. Bare zones (with 1 or no fractures present) were identified in 4 unique areas. Furthermore, intra-articular fractures were found to be heterogenous. CONCLUSIONS: The 3D fracture map created in this study confirmed that extra-articular scapular fractures occur in certain patterns with a relatively high frequency. Results provide greater insight into scapular fracture locations and may help to study prognosis of injury and improve treatment strategy including operative approaches and surgical tactics.

Efficacy analysis of axillary approach in the treatment of Ideberg type I and II scapular glenoid fractures: Case series.

RATIONALE: To investigate the clinical efficacy of the axillary approach in the surgical treatment of Ideberg type I and II scapular glenoid fractures. PATIENT CONCERNS AND DIAGNOSIS: Retrospective analysis of 13 cases of scapular glenoid fracture treated in the affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical College, Jiaxiang County People hospital, Zoucheng City people Hospital, Yanzhou District People Hospital, and Juancheng County people Hospital from December 2020 to January 2022. Eight males (including 1 bilateral) and 5 females, with an average age of 57.5 years (range from 33 to 75 years). According to Ideberg classification, there were 10 cases of type I a, 1 case of type I a combined with type I b, and 2 cases of type II. All patients were treated with axillary approach surgery and 7 patients with combined anterior shoulder dislocation were treated by first-stage manipulation and second-stage reoperation. Seven patients were fixed with a wire anchor, 3 patients with type I a were fixed with a "T" plate, and 5 patients were complicated with rotator cuff tear and were repaired with a wire anchor. At the last follow-up, the Constant-Murley shoulder function score, visual analog score, DASH score, and Hawkins grade were used to evaluate shoulder function, pain, and stability after treatment. INTERVENTION: The intervention was to treat patients with Ideberg type I and II scaphoid fractures using an axillary approach. OUTCOMES: All 13 patients in this group were followed up thoroughly, and the follow-up time was 12 to 25 months, with an average of 18.6 months. The operation time was 65 to 135 minutes, with an average of 85.6 minutes. Intraoperative blood loss ranged from 20 to 120 mL, averaging 55.6 mL. The duration of hospitalization ranged from 7 to 22 days, with an average of 9.6 days. The surgical incisions of all patients were grade-A healing. Bone healing of glenoid fractures was observed 3 months after the operation. LESSONS: The axillary approach for Ideberg type I and II scapular glenoid fractures is a feasible surgical approach with complete access through the muscle gap, minimal surgical trauma, mild postoperative pain, and satisfactory clinical results.

Nonunion of the so-called acromion: a systematic review with consideration of the terminology.

INTRODUCTION: There is no widely accepted standard for the classification and treatment of traumatic acromion/scapular spine fracture nonunion due to the scarcity of this condition and the confusion of terminology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed and Scopus were searched using "scapular fracture" and "acromion fracture" or "scapular spine fracture" as search terms. The inclusion criteria were English full-text articles concerning acromion/scapular spine fracture nonunion that described patient characteristics and presented appropriate images. The exclusion criteria were cases without appropriate images. Citation tracking was conducted to find additional articles and notable full-text articles written in other languages. Fractures were classified using our newly proposed classification system. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients (19 men, 10 women) with 29 nonunions were identified. There were four type I, 15 type II, and 10 type III fracture nonunions. Only 11 fractures were isolated. The mean period from initial injury to final diagnosis was 35.2 ± 73.2 months (range 3-360 months) (n = 25). The most frequent cause of delayed diagnosis was conservative treatment for fracture in 11 patients, followed by oversight by the physician in 8. The most common reason for seeking medical advice was shoulder pain. Six patients received conservative therapy, and 23 received operative treatment. Fixation materials included various plates in 15 patients, and tension band wiring in 5. Bone grafting was performed in 16 patients (73%, 16/22). Of the 19 surgically treated patients with adequate follow-up, the outcome was rated excellent in 79%. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated acromion/scapular spine fracture nonunion is rare. Fracture type II and III, arising in the anatomical scapular spine, accounted for 86% of the fractures. Computed tomography is required to prevent fracture oversight. Surgical therapy produces good stable results. However, it is important to select the appropriate surgical fixation method and material after considering the anatomical characteristics of the fracture and stress on the fractured portion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.

Managing Scapular Dyskinesis.

Scapular dyskinesis, the impairment of optimal scapular position and motion, is common in association with shoulder injury. A comprehensive evaluation process can show the causative factors and lead to effective treatment protocols. The complexity of scapular motion and the integrated relationship between the scapula, humerus, trunk, and legs suggest a need to develop rehabilitation programs that involve all segments working as a unit rather than isolated components. This is best accomplished with an integrated rehabilitation approach that includes rectifying deficits in mobility, strength, and motor control but not overtly focusing on any one area.

Deltoid-Sparing Modified Judet Approach: Technique and Clinical Series.

SUMMARY: Posterior approaches provide the mainstay for treatment in most of the scapula body and neck fractures, even those associated with many intraarticular variants. Several posterior approach modifications for minimizing soft-tissue damage and limiting muscular detachment, have previously been described in the literature; however, little or no clinical evidence is available specifically applied to the various approaches.In this study, we describe complete sparing of the deltoid muscle origin during the "modified Judet" approach. The modified approach as previously described detaches the deltoid origin. Deltoid sparing allows for satisfactory visualization and fixation of extra-articular scapula fractures and even some intraarticular variants. The purpose of this article was to describe the deltoid-sparing modified Judet approach and report clinical outcomes for 23 patients after surgical treatment.

The relationship between the presence of scapula fracture and mortality and morbidity in cases with blunt thoracic trauma.

BACKGROUND: Scapula fractures (SFs) occur as a result of high-energy trauma and are significant in terms of life-threatening injuries. There are few studies showing the relationship between SFs and mortality and morbidity in patients with blunt thoracic trauma (BTT). Our study aims to investigate the relationship between SF and mortality and morbidity in BTT. METHODS: Adult patients admitted to the emergency department of Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, School of Medicine with BTT between January 2019 and April 2021 were retrospectively scanned from hospital records. Patients' age, gender, trauma mechanism, additional organ injuries, need for intensive care, length of hospital stay, morbidity, and mortality rates were recorded. Statistical results were expressed as frequency, percentage, and mean±standard deviation (min-max). In comparisons between groups, p<0.05 was accepted as the significance level. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty-eight cases were included in our study. The scapular fracture was present in 86 cases (36.1%). About 43% of the cases with SFs were falling from a height. Intrathoracic injuries accompanying SF were determined as rib fracture, lung contusion, pneumothorax, hemothorax, and sternum fracture, respectively (91.9%, 80.2%, 41.9%, 37.2%, and 15.1%). Extrathoracic injuries associated with SF were vertebral fractures, intracranial injuries, clavicle fractures, extremity fractures, and intra-abdominal injuries (18.6%, 16.3%, 12.8%, 10.5%, and 5.8%), respectively. When the groups with and without SF were compared, a statistically significant relationship was found between SF and the number of rib fractures, lung contusion, pneumothorax, and hemothorax (p<0.001, p=0.001, p=0.001, p=0.001). In extrathoracic injuries, there was a significant relationship between SFs and vertebral fractures, intra-cranial injuries, and clavicle fractures (p=0.004, p<0.001, p=0.005). There was no difference observed between the groups regarding sternum fractures, extremity fractures, and intra-abdominal organ injuries (p=0.288, p=0.682, p=0.261). In cases with accompanying SF, there was a significant difference in terms of length of hospital stay, need for intensive care, and mortality (p<0.001, p=0.001, p=0.002). CONCLUSION: The most common intrathoracic injuries accompanying SFs were rib fractures and lung contusion, and the most common extrathoracic injuries were vertebral fractures and intracranial injuries. Moreover, it was found that SF was highly correlated with length of hospital stay, need for intensive care, and mortality. The most common cause of mortality was found to be intracranial hemorrhage. Imaging of other systems is important in cases with SFs. Particular attention should be paid to head-and-neck injuries.

Operative treatment of complex intra-articular scapular fractures: long-term functional outcomes in a single-center study.

BACKGROUND: Scapula fractures occur in the setting of high-energy trauma. Operative treatment of complex intra-articular scapular fractures can result in adequate surgical and functional outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven patients with complex, displaced intra-articular scapular fractures with or without involvement of the scapular body, were treated operatively in a single trauma center between 2010 and 2021. Associated injuries such as ipsilateral upper limb fractures and nerve injuries were identified in the majority of the patients. Fixation with anatomical medial and lateral border precontoured plates was utilized following posterior modified Judet approach or/and anterior deltopectoral approach. Functional outcome was assessed using the Oxford Shoulder Score and detailed shoulder range of motion and return to work/activities data were obtained. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 69 months (range 4-135 months), individual functional outcomes for 25 of the 27 patients revealed a mean Oxford Shoulder Score of 33 (69%), mean active flexion of 120 degrees, active abduction of 110 degrees, mean active external rotation of 35 degrees and mean internal rotation to the level of T5. All patients were pain-free at the latest follow-up, and 23 of 25 had returned to their preinjury occupation and activities. CONCLUSION: Operative treatment for these complex injuries is a viable option at centers equipped to handle critically ill patients and can result in satisfactory range of motion and functional score measurements along with a relatively low number of complications.

Stability, deformity, and fixation of the floating shoulder: a cadaveric biomechanical study.

BACKGROUND: Floating shoulder injuries cause instability and deformity due to disruptions of the scapula, clavicle, and superior shoulder suspensory complex ligaments (SSSC). Resulting deformity of the glenopolar angle (GPA) has not previously been established, nor has the impact on stability and deformity when surgical fixation is performed. This study sought to quantify stability and deformity for multiple injury patterns and the improvement to these parameters provided by clavicle and coracoclavicular (CC) ligament fixation. METHODS: Fourteen cadaveric specimen upper extremities were used, which included the entire upper extremity, scapula, clavicle, and cranial-most ribs. After being mounted upright, a scapular neck fracture was created, followed by either a midshaft clavicle fracture or sectioning of the acromioclavicular and coracoacromial ligaments. Subsequent sectioning of the other structure(s) followed by the CC ligaments was then performed. In all specimens, the clavicle was then plated, followed by a CC ligament repair. At each step, a radiograph in the AP plane of the scapula was taken to measure GPA and displacement of the glenoid fragment using radiopaque markers placed in the scapula. These radiographs were taken both unloaded and with a 100-N applied medializing force. RESULTS: When evaluating deformity related to sectioning, the GPA was reduced when the CC ligaments were sectioned compared to an isolated scapula fracture (P = .022) and compared to a combined scapula and clavicle fracture (P = .037). For stability, displacement with a 100-N force was significantly increased when the CC ligaments were sectioned compared to an isolated scapula fracture (P = .027). In cases of an ipsilateral scapula neck and clavicle fracture with intact ligaments, fixation of the clavicle alone provided a statistically significant improvement in the GPA (P = .002); but not in reduction of displacement (P = .061). In cases of an ipsilateral scapula neck and clavicle fracture with concomitant disruption of the coracoacromial, acromioclavicular, and CC ligaments, the GPA was improved by clavicle fixation (P < .001) and increasingly so by subsequent CC ligament repair (P < .001). Displacement was also improved in these 2 states (P < .001, P = .008, respectively). DISCUSSION: This biomechanical study confirmed the importance of the acromioclavicular, coracoacromial, and CC ligaments in conferring stability in SSSC injuries. Disruption of the CC ligaments created significant deformity of the GPA and instability with a medializing force. Clinical treatment should consider the integrity of these ligaments and their repair in conjunction with clavicle fixation, knowing that this combination should restore a biomechanical state equivalent to an isolated scapula fracture.

The Independent Double-Row (IDR) Bony Bankart Repair Technique.

A displaced anterior glenoid rim fracture, the so-called bony Bankart lesion, occurs after a traumatic shoulder dislocation resulting from a high energy trauma and is associated with recurrent shoulder instability. Different surgical techniques have been described in the literature to address this pathology, including open reduction and fixation, as well as arthroscopic transosseous, and single-row or double-row approaches with the use of suture anchors. However, there is currently no gold standard of treatment and the stability of fixation and the healing of the bony fragment are still a concern. The purpose of this report was to introduce an arthroscopic independent double-row (IDR) bony Bankart repair technique for fixation of large glenoid fractures.

Caracterización epidemiológica de pacientes operados por fractura de escápula en Hospital Traumatológico de Concepción durante los años 2019-2022 / Epidemiological characteristics of patients operated for scapular fracture at Hospital Traumatologico de Concepción during the years 2019-2022

Introducción: Las fracturas de escápula tienen una baja frecuencia, se presentan mayoritariamente en población joven tras traumatismos de alta energía. Su tratamiento historicamente ha sido conservador, sin embargo, el tratamiento quirúrgico ha demostrado mejores resultados funcionales en pacientes seleccionados, siendo la indicación quirúrgica aún controversial. La literatura sobre los pacientes tratados de forma quirúrgica es escasa. Objetico general: Caracterizar a los pacientes operados por fractura de escapula en Hospital Traumatológico de Concepción durante los años 2019-2022. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo que incluye a pacientes operados por fractura de escápula en el Hospital Traumatológico de Concepción durante los años 2019 al 2022, considerando las variables sexo, edad, lateralidad, mecanismo de lesión y lesiones asociadas. Resultados: Se estudiaron 20 pacientes de los cuales 90% fueron hombres, registrándose un promedio de edad de 41 años, sin diferencias significativas en su lateralidad. Los principales mecanismos de lesión fueron accidentes de tránsito y caídas de altura, existiendo lesiones asociadas sólo en 45% de los casos. Conclusión: Las fracturas de escápula tienen alto impacto en la funcionalidad de la extremidad afectada, por lo que su tratamiento hoy en día esta evolucionando hacia uno quirúrgico en pacientes seleccionados, con el fin de obtener mejores resultados funcionales. Los pacientes operados son mayoritariamente adultos de edad media de sexo masculino, con fracturas secundarias a traumatismos de alta energía y presencia de lesiones asociadas de baja morbimortalidad.

Introduction: Scapula fractures have a low frequency. They occur mainly in the young population after high-energy trauma. Its treatment has historically been conservative; however, surgical treatment has shown better functional results in selected patients, the surgical indication being still controversial. The literature on patients treated surgically is scarce. General Objective: Characterize the patients operated on for scapular fracture at the Hospital Traumatológico de Concepción during the years 2019-2022. Materials and methods: Descriptive study that includes patients operated on for scapula fracture at the Concepción Trauma Hospital during the years 2019 to 2022, considering the variables sex, age, laterality, mechanism of injury and associated injuries. Results: Twenty patients were studied, of whom 90% were men, recording an average age of 41 years, with right scapula fracture being slightly more frequent than left. The main mechanisms of injury were traffic accidents and falls from a height, with associated injuries only in 45% of the cases. Conclusion: Scapula fractures have a high impact on the functionality of the affected limb, so their treatment today is evolving towards surgery in selected patients, in order to obtain better functional results. The patients operated on are mostly middle-aged male adults, with fractures secondary to high-energy trauma and the presence of associated lesions with low morbidity and mortality.

A Comprehensive Radiologic Review of Shoulder Girdle Trauma.

Radiologic knowledge of different fracture patterns involving the shoulder girdle is an important tool to generate clinically relevant reports, identify concomitant injuries, guide management decisions, and predict and minimize complications, such as nonunion, osteoarthritis, osteonecrosis, and hardware failure. Complex unstable injuries like scapulothoracic dissociation can also occur because of shoulder girdle trauma. Management options may vary from conservative to surgical, depending on the fracture type and patient factors. Injuries around the shoulder girdle can involve the glenohumeral articulation, scapula, superior shoulder suspensory complex, acromioclavicular joints, and scapulothoracic articulation.

Surgical treatment of scapula body fractures extending glenoid fossa: Surgical technique and early results.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to describe the surgical technique and evaluate functional outcomes following open reduction and internal fixation in patients with scapular fractures. METHODS: In this study, ten patients with scapular fractures with Ideberg type four and five, who had undergone operatively with the Judet approach in three different orthopedic centers between March 2014 and October 2018, were evaluated retrospectively. By the end of at least a 2-year follow-up period, postoperative Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), Constant questionnaires were evaluated by all participating patients. RESULTS: Three of these patients had fractures on the left; seven patients had fractures on the right side, and the average patient age was 35.1±9.75. Mean Constant and DASH scores were 87.9±13.68 and 5.57±5.21, respectively. In two patients, about 2 cm adjacent to the suprascapular notch, perioperative suprascapular nerve injury was stated and sutured using the epineural technique. By the end of the 2-year follow-up of these two patients, infraspinatus muscle atrophy had occurred. However, external rotation muscle strength was 4/5 in both patients. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that scapula fractures extending glenoid articular surface can be safely fixed through the Judet approach and had satisfactory results. In addition, two patients with traumatic suprascapular nerve injury were encountered during the surgery and repaired which may be hard to diagnose with modified or minimal incisional approaches.

Acromioclavicular dislocation associated with scapular fractures - pathoanatomy of the injury.

INTRODUCTION: No detailed study dealing with an injury to the AC joint in combination with scapular fractures has been published to date. The aim of this study is to describe pathoanatomy of these injuries. METHODS: In a series of 519 scapular fractures in adult patients from the period of 20022020 we identified a total of 20 (3.9%) cases associated with AC dislocation. The group comprised 17 men and 3 women with the mean age of 49 years (range, 2178). Radiographs of the shoulder joint followed by CT examination, including 3D reconstructions, were performed in all patients. This documentation allowed assessment of the scapular fracture pattern and type of injury to the AC joint. RESULTS: AC dislocation was associated with a simple scapular fracture in 15 cases (7 fractures of the coracoid base, 4 fractures of the acromion or the lateral spine, 2 fractures of the scapular body, 1 fracture of the superior and 1 fracture of the inferior glenoid). In 5 cases AC dislocation accompanied multiple or complex scapular fractures (once a combination of a coracoid fracture and a fracture of the lateral scapular spine, once a combination of a fracture of the superior glenoid and of the acromion, 2 cases of a complex intraarticular fracture and 1 case of scapulothoracic dissociation). CONCLUSION: AC dislocation is relatively infrequent injury accompanying scapular fractures. It is most commonly associated with fractures of coracoid, acromion/lateral spine or superior glenoid. No case of AC dislocation was recorded in a fracture of the scapular neck.

The Operative Treatment of Scapula Fractures: An Analysis of 10,097 Patients.

Background: The indications for operative treatment of scapula fractures have been debated over the past decade. Our purpose was to determine 1) the incidence and trends in the operative treatment of scapula fractures, 2) the incidence of conversion from operative fixation to total or hemi-shoulder arthroplasty (THSA) and 3) rates of associated injuries in scapula fractures. We hypothesized that the operative treatment of scapula fractures is increasing over time and that scapula fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) would have increased risk for conversion to THSA. Methods: The Humana Inc. administrative claims database was queried from 2008 to 2015. Patients with any scapular fracture, ORIF of scapula fracture, total or hemi-shoulder arthroplasty, and associated injuries were identified by ICD-9 and CPT codes. Analysis was performed for 1) all patients with a scapula fracture undergoing operative fixation (i.e. ORIF and THSA), 2) all scapular fractures treated with ORIF with subsequent conversion to ipsilateral THSA, and 3) all associated injuries. Results: There were 10,097 scapula fractures (28.4% glenoid, 48% female). 60% occurred in patients 65 years and older. There were 198 (1.96%) fractures (70% glenoid) treated with ORIF. There were 287 (2.84%) fractures (45% glenoid) treated with THSA (76% total shoulder). The rate of ORIF of scapular fractures did not significantly increase (RR=0.87, p=0.58). There was a significant increase in THSA as primary treatment of scapula fractures in 2015 compared to 2007 (RR=0.43, p=0.0016). Conversion from ORIF to THSA was 12.6% (25/198). Scapula fractures treated with ORIF were at significant risk for conversion to THSA (RR=4.77, p<0.0001). Associated injuries occurred in nearly 50% of scapula fractures-other fractures, lung contusion and pneumothorax/hemothorax ranking the highest, accounting for 37%, 14.5% and 8.3% of all associated injuries, respectively. Conclusion: The incidence of operative treatment of scapula fractures was 1.96% and 2.84% for ORIF and THSA, respectively. Scapular fractures previously treated with ORIF were at significant risk for conversion to THSA. Although ORIF in scapular fractures did not significantly increase over time, both THSA and overall (ORIF+THSA) operative treatment of scapula fractures increased significantly. Level of Evidence: IV.