Epidemiology of scapular fractures.

The aim of the study has been to acquire basic epidemiological data based on a representative group of patients with scapular fractures treated in one centre. The study analyses group of 250 patients. Diagnostics was based on CT examinations, in 227 cases with 3D reconstructions, in 97 cases compared with operative findings. Fractures were classified according to the modified anatomical classification of Tscherne and Christ. The analysed groups of patients include only the fracture lines whose existence has been verified by 3D CT reconstructions and intraoperative findings. The most common fracture in the group was that of the scapular body (52%), followed by fractures of the glenoid fossa (29%), fractures of the processes (11%) and fractures of the scapular neck (8%). The most frequent associated injuries to the ipsilateral shoulder girdle were clavicular fractures (19%). Scapular fractures occur primarily in men, predominantly in 4th - 6th decades (66 % patients). The group of women was significantly older as compared to men (p = 0.017). The group of patients with scapular neck fractures was significantly younger as compared to the age of patients with glenoid fracture (p = 0.021) and scapular body fracture (p = 0.035).