Abstract
Introduction
The aim of this study was to describe a surgical technique and report on patient-based
functional outcomes and complications following open reduction and internal fixation
in patients with scapular fractures.
Methods
The study comprised 14 patients who were treated with open reduction and internal
fixation (ORIF) of a scapular fractures between September 2010 and July 2018. Surgical
indications were as follows: medial/lateral displacement greater than 20 mm; shortening
greater than 25 mm; angular deformity greater than 40°; intra-articular step-off greater
than 4 mm; and double shoulder suspensory injuries (including fracture of the clavicle,
coracoid or acromion with displacement greater than 10 mm). All patients underwent
X-ray examination (true AP, Y scapular view) and computed tomography (CT) scans. Fractures
were classified according to the revised (AO/OTA) classification system. Functional
outcomes were measured using Constant-Murley scores.
Results
Seven patients had glenoid fossa fractures, six patients had scapular body fractures
and one patient had an acromion process fracture. All glenoid fossa and scapular body
fractures were exposed via the Judet approach. Eleven of 14 patients were given Constant-Murley
scores at the final follow-up examination; three patients were lost to follow-up.
The mean follow-up after injury was 44 months (range, 6–92 months). We found infraspinatus
muscle hypotrophy in four patients. The mean Constant-Murley score was 93.45 (±8.93)
for the injured arm and 98.36 (±2.91) for the uninjured arm. The mean score between
the injured and uninjured arm was 4.91(±6.49), which is an excellent functional outcome
according to the Constant-Murley score.
Conclusions
Open reduction and internal fixation of displaced scapular fractures is a safe and
effective treatment option that results in a reliable union rate and good-to-excellent
functional outcome.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: September 16, 2020
Accepted:
September 15,
2020
Footnotes
☆This paper is part of a supplement supported by The Croatian Trauma Society.
Identification
Copyright
© 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
