Scapular Fractures at a Level 1 Trauma Center: A Cross-Sectional Study.

PURPOSE

Scapular fractures are uncommon injuries that account for up to 1% of all fractures and 5% of all shoulder girdle fractures. Moreover, most of the evidence on the treatment of scapular fractures stems from case series, with paucity of comparative studies. Despite the lack of standardized criteria for the operative treatment of scapular fractures, a set of suggested radiological parameters has been recently reported. The primary aim of this study was to compare the treatment implemented for scapular fractures in comparison with standard published criteria. The secondary aim was to investigate epidemiological parameters of scapular fractures at a level 1 trauma center.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study of scapular fractures at a level 1 trauma center, data were collected between December 2012 and January 2016. Data of all scapular fractures that presented to our center were retrospectively collected through electronic medical records. Identified cases of scapular fractures were then evaluated whether surgical treatment was indicated in accordance with recent standard operative criteria. Percentages were used to express the number of cases that were operatively indicated according to the predefined criteria and the number of cases operatively treated at our institution.

RESULTS

A total of 52 patients met the inclusion criteria of having scapular fractures documented on radiography and Computed tomography (CT). The mean age of the patients was 38.5 years, with the majority being men (92.3%). The most common mechanism of injury was a fall from a considerable height in 26% of the cases. Of the included patients, 53.8% were polytraumatized, and the most frequent concomitant traumatic injury was rib fractures (26.9%). Only 33% of intra-articular glenoid fractures with significant displacement were treated operatively. Furthermore, non-operative treatment was undertaken in indicated extra-articular scapular body and neck fractures, acromion or coracoid process fractures, or superior shoulder suspensory complex double disruptions.

CONCLUSION

A significant discrepancy was found between the treatments implemented at our institution and the current standard criteria for the operative treatment of scapular fractures. This study emphasizes the need to educate surgeons on scapular fractures and to treat such fractures in accordance with standard published criteria. Furthermore, scapular fractures that require surgery should be referred to a surgeon experienced in scapular fracture fixation.