[Scapulothoracic dissociation as a consequence of failure of traditional treatment in an adolescent girl: a case report].

Scapulothoracic dissociation due to a trauma is exceptional. The purpose of this study was to share our experience with a case of scapulothoracic dissociation and to explain the advantages of our approach. We report the case of a 12-year-old right-handed schoolgirl admitted to hospital with a blunt trauma to the right thoracic limb complicated by infection after a week of traditional treatment (massage, bandaging with reed splints). Surgical neck fracture of the right humerus complicated by wet gangrene of the entire limb and severe anaemia was diagnosed. Blood transfusion, triple antibiotic therapy and scapulohumeral disarticulation were required. Progressive excision of necrotic tissue followed by scapulectomy (day 24) for scapular necrosis made it possible to sterilise the site and to perform a skin graft (day 43). The patient was discharged after 2 months. Physiotherapy was combined with psychological treatment and the patient had a simple post-operative course during the 7-month follow-up period. Failure of conventional treatment for limb fractures can be life-threatening and cause severe sequelae.