Scapula Fracture eMedicine Orthopedics

Description: Authors Goss & Cantu
Synonyms and related keywords: glenoid fracture, acromion fracture, coracoid fracture, scapulothoracic dissociation, double disruption of the superior shoulder suspensory complex
Traumatic injuries of the scapula have received little attention in the literature because they are uncommon. Scapula fractures account for approximately 1% of all fractures. Most scapula fractures can be effectively managed with closed treatment. Some injuries with significant displacement have poor long-term outcomes for the shoulder and the upper extremity as a whole if treated with closed techniques. This article reviews closed management of scapula fractures, discusses open treatment, and provides guidelines for injuries that require operative intervention.