Fractures of the Scapula - Classification and Treatment Principles

Abstract

The aim of this article is to summarize the classification and treatment principles of fractures of the scapula. In general, a scapular fracture is classified according to the anatomic region (glenoid, glenoid neck, body, acromion, coracoid). Whereas body fractures are normally treated conservatively, displaced glenoid fractures require surgical intervention. Glenoid neck fractures are usually managed conservatively unless an associated clavicular fracture or AC-joint dislocation is present.

Scapula - fracture - classification - treatment

References

• 1 Armstrong C P, Vanderspuy J. The fractured scapula: Importance in management based on a series of 62 patients.  Injury. 1984;  15 324-329
• 2 Batemen J E. The Shoulder and Neck. 2nd ed. WB Saunders, Philadelphia 1978
• 3 DePalma A F. Surgery of the Shoulder. 3rd ed. JB Lippincott, Philadelphia 1983; pp 366-367
• 4 Fischer W R. Fracture of the scapula requiring open reduction: report of a case.  J Bone Joint Surg [Am]. 1939;  21 459-461
• 5 Goss T P. Double disruptions of the superior shoulder suspensory complex.  J Orthop Trauma. 1993;  7 99-106
• 6 Goss T P. Scapular fractures and dislocations: diagnosis and treatment.  J Acad Am Orthop Surg. 1995;  3 22-33
• 7 Hardegger F H, Simpson L A, Weber B G. The operative treatment of scapular fractures.  J Bone Joint Surg [Br]. 1984;  66 725-731
• 8 Harmon P H, Baker D R. Fracture of the scapula with displacement.  J Bone Joint Surg [Am]. 1943;  25 834-838
• 9 Herscovici D, Fiennes A GTW, Allgöwer M, Ruedi T P. The floating shoulder: Ipsilateral clavicule and scapula neck fractures.  J Bone Joint Surg [Br]. 1992;  74 362-364
• 10 Herscovici D, Saunders R, DiPasquale T, Gregory P. Injuries of the shoulder girdle.  Clin Orthop. 1995;  318 54-60
• 11 Ideberg R. Fractures of the scapula involving the glenoid fossa. In: Batemen JE, Welsh RP (eds). Surgery of the shoulder. BC Decker, Philadelphia 1984; pp 63-66
• 12 Lindblom A, Leven H. Prognosis in fractures of the body and neck of the scapula.  Acta Chir Scand. 1974;  140 33
• 13 McGahan J P, Rab G T, Dublin A. Fractures of the scapula.  J Trauma. 1980;  20 880-883
• 14 McLaughlin H L Trauma., Saunders W B Philadelphia 1959., Rowe C R. Fractures of the scapula.  Surg Clin North Am. 1963;  43 1565-1571
• 15 Neer C S. Fractures. In: Rockwood CA, Green DP (eds). Shoulder Reconstruction. WB Saunders, Philadelphia 1990; p 412
• 16 Rockwood C A. Management of fractures of the scapula.  J Bone Joint Surg. 1986;  10 219
• 17 Simpson N S, Jupiter J B. Complex fracture patterns of the upper extremity.  Clin Orthop. 1995;  318 43-53
• 18 Thompson D A, Flynn T C, Miller P W, Fischer R P. The significance of scapular fractures.  J Trauma. 1985;  25 974-977
• 19 Zdravkovic D, Damholt V V. Comminuted and severely displaced fractures of the scapula.  Acta Orthop Scand. 1974;  45 60-65