Surgical Treatment Of Scapular Fractures

Objective: Fractures of the scapula are relatively rare injuries; they represent 3% to 5% of all fractures involving the shoulder girdle and 0.14% to 1% of fractures overall[1]. Non-operative treatment of scapular fractures usually results in a favorable outcome[2-4]. Obviously displaced fractures of scapula let the shoulder unstable, in this case conservative treatment lead fractures malunion, some complications like the pain and powerless of shoulder joint daring abduction may take place[5]. Exact reduction in an early time, fixing the fracture firmly and active functional exercise can let the upper limb get recovered. As the recovery of shoulder joint's function is thought highly, it is a tendency that treating the unstable scapular fractures use open reduction and internal fixation[1]. The aim of this article is to investigate the surgical indication, surgical methods and clinical effect.Methods: Eleven cases with scapula fractures received operation that had been admitted to our hospital from January 2006 to June 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. All of them were examined by AP radiography view, and were also examined by three-dimensional spiral CT reconstruction. Based on the X ray and CT scan, according to the classification of anatomy for scapula, there were 10 fractures of the scapula body, 5 fractures of the scapula spine, 4 fractures of glenoid cavity, 2 fractures of neck of scapula, 2 fractures of coracoid,2 fractures of acromion, and there were 11 cases more than two parts fractures.Results: All of them were followed up, according to Hardegger, evaluation, the union of wound in them were the first rate, none of the complication took place, just like :the fractures were displaced again, the nail and plate cut off, and so on. They were followed up with an average of 10 months, the longest is 18 months, and the shortest is 7 months. Results were: 11 showed excellent results, 5 good, 1 fair. Conclusion: Surgical treatment of unstable scapular fractures and functional exercise in an early time can make good clinical effect.