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Symptoms of a broken shoulder blade. Shoulder Blade Fractures: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

What are the common symptoms of a shoulder blade fracture. How do shoulder blade fractures occur. What treatment options are available for shoulder blade fractures. When is surgery necessary for a scapula fracture. How long does recovery from a shoulder blade fracture typically take.

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Understanding the Anatomy of the Shoulder Blade

The shoulder blade, also known as the scapula, is a triangular-shaped bone that plays a crucial role in the functioning of the shoulder joint. It is protected by a complex system of muscles and forms part of the shoulder girdle. The rotator cuff, a group of tendons and muscles, helps keep the arm bone centered within the shoulder socket and attaches it to the scapula.

This intricate anatomy allows for a wide range of motion in the shoulder, but it also makes the area susceptible to injury. Understanding the structure of the shoulder blade is essential for comprehending the impact of fractures and the subsequent treatment approaches.

Key Components of the Shoulder Blade

  • Triangular shape
  • Protected by complex muscle system
  • Connected to the rotator cuff
  • Part of the shoulder girdle

Causes and Risk Factors of Shoulder Blade Fractures

Shoulder blade fractures are relatively uncommon, accounting for only 1% of all broken bones. However, when they do occur, they can be quite serious. These fractures typically result from high-energy trauma, such as car accidents or falls from significant heights.

Men between the ages of 25 and 45 are at the highest risk for shoulder blade fractures. This demographic is more likely to engage in activities or occupations that put them at risk for high-impact injuries.

Common Causes of Scapula Fractures

  1. Motor vehicle accidents
  2. Falls from heights
  3. Direct blows to the shoulder area
  4. Sports-related injuries

It’s important to note that shoulder blade fractures often accompany other serious injuries to the chest, lungs, and internal organs. This is due to the significant force required to break the scapula, which is well-protected by surrounding muscles.

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Shoulder Blade Fracture

Identifying the symptoms of a shoulder blade fracture is crucial for seeking timely medical attention. While some symptoms may be obvious, others can be more subtle. It’s essential to be aware of both the common and potentially serious signs of a scapula fracture.

Common Symptoms

  • Severe pain in the shoulder area
  • Swelling at the back of the shoulder
  • Difficulty moving the arm
  • Bruising around the shoulder
  • Visible deformity of the shoulder

These symptoms may vary in intensity depending on the severity of the fracture. Some individuals might experience all of these symptoms, while others may only notice a few.

Serious Symptoms Requiring Immediate Medical Attention

  • Shortness of breath
  • Abdominal pain
  • Decreased sensation in the arm or shoulder

If you experience any of these serious symptoms along with a suspected shoulder blade fracture, it’s crucial to seek emergency medical care immediately. These symptoms could indicate associated injuries to the chest, lungs, or other internal organs.

Diagnostic Procedures for Shoulder Blade Fractures

Accurate diagnosis of a shoulder blade fracture is essential for determining the appropriate treatment plan. Orthopedic surgeons employ various diagnostic tools and procedures to assess the extent of the injury and identify any associated complications.

Common Diagnostic Methods

  1. Physical examination
  2. X-rays
  3. CT scans
  4. MRI scans (in some cases)

During the physical examination, the doctor will assess the range of motion, look for visible deformities, and check for any signs of nerve or blood vessel damage. X-rays are typically the first imaging test ordered, as they can reveal most fractures. However, some fractures may require more detailed imaging, such as CT scans, to fully evaluate the extent of the injury.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Scapula Fractures

Many shoulder blade fractures can be treated without surgery, depending on their severity and location. Non-surgical approaches focus on immobilizing the arm and shoulder to allow proper healing and managing pain and inflammation.

Key Components of Non-Surgical Treatment

  • Immobilization with a sling
  • Ice therapy to reduce swelling and pain
  • Pain medication
  • Gradual introduction of rehabilitation exercises

The initial phase of treatment typically involves wearing a sling to keep the arm and shoulder immobilized. This prevents further damage and allows the bone to begin healing. Ice therapy and pain medication help manage discomfort and reduce inflammation.

After the first week, your doctor may prescribe gentle rehabilitation exercises to prevent stiffness in the elbow and shoulder. These exercises gradually increase in intensity as healing progresses. Full recovery and regaining complete shoulder motion can take anywhere from 6 months to a year.

Surgical Interventions for Severe Shoulder Blade Fractures

In cases of severe or displaced shoulder blade fractures, surgical intervention may be necessary. The decision to perform surgery is based on several factors, including the extent of the fracture, its location, and the patient’s overall health and activity level.

Surgical Procedure Overview

  1. Repositioning of bone fragments
  2. Fixation using metal plates and screws
  3. Possible bone grafting in complex cases

During surgery, the orthopedic surgeon will reposition the fragments of the shoulder blade to their proper alignment. These fragments are then held in place using metal plates and special screws attached to the outer surface of the bone. In some complex cases, bone grafting may be necessary to promote healing.

Recovery from surgical treatment of a shoulder blade fracture typically involves a period of immobilization followed by a structured rehabilitation program. The timeline for recovery can vary depending on the severity of the fracture and the individual patient’s healing process.

Rehabilitation and Recovery After Shoulder Blade Fracture Treatment

Regardless of whether a shoulder blade fracture is treated surgically or non-surgically, rehabilitation plays a crucial role in the recovery process. The goal of rehabilitation is to restore strength, flexibility, and function to the shoulder while allowing the fracture to heal properly.

Phases of Rehabilitation

  1. Initial immobilization phase
  2. Gentle range of motion exercises
  3. Progressive strengthening exercises
  4. Return to normal activities

The rehabilitation process typically begins with a period of immobilization to allow initial healing. As pain and swelling subside, gentle range of motion exercises are introduced to prevent stiffness. These exercises gradually progress to include strengthening exercises for the shoulder and surrounding muscles.

The timeline for returning to normal activities varies depending on the severity of the fracture and the individual’s healing progress. It’s essential to follow your doctor’s and physical therapist’s guidance throughout the rehabilitation process to ensure optimal recovery.

Preventing Shoulder Blade Fractures and Long-Term Considerations

While not all shoulder blade fractures can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of injury. Additionally, understanding the potential long-term implications of a scapula fracture is important for managing expectations and ensuring proper ongoing care.

Prevention Strategies

  • Wear appropriate protective gear during high-risk activities
  • Practice proper fall prevention techniques
  • Maintain good bone health through diet and exercise
  • Use caution when engaging in contact sports or activities with a high risk of falls

Long-term considerations following a shoulder blade fracture may include ongoing physical therapy, potential limitations in range of motion, and in some cases, an increased risk of arthritis in the shoulder joint. Regular follow-up appointments with your orthopedic surgeon can help monitor your progress and address any ongoing concerns.

By understanding the anatomy of the shoulder blade, recognizing the symptoms of a fracture, and being aware of treatment options and recovery processes, individuals can be better prepared to handle this uncommon but potentially serious injury. Always consult with a qualified orthopedic specialist for personalized advice and treatment recommendations.

Shoulder Blade (SCAPULA) Fracture | Broken Treatment Las Vegas, Mesquite Nevada

Broken Shoulder Blade Treatment

Shoulder blade fractures are not very common injuries. They can result in inflammation and pain in the shoulder arc. Shoulder blade fractures can be caused by blunt and high energy trauma incidents. This can be in the form of car accidents or falls. This fracture type is generally treated in non-surgical ways. However, they may require surgery in some instances depending on its severity.

Shoulder blade fractures can often result in severe injuries to the chest, lungs, and internal organs. It is important, for this reason, to attain medical attention if you fracture your shoulder blade.

Thomas & Bigler Knee and Shoulder Institute, led by board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven C. Thomas and Dr. Gregory T. Bigler, provides orthopedic surgery to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, while also serving areas such as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV.

Anatomy of Your Shoulder Blade

A complex system of muscles protects your shoulder blade, which is in a triangular shape. The rotator cuff, which is again a combination of tendons and muscles, helps in keeping your arm bone centered within the shoulder socket. The rotator cuff is responsible for covering the upper arm bone’s head and keeping it attached to the shoulder blade.

Why Do Shoulder Blade Fractures Take Place?

Shoulder blade fractures occur during blunt trauma injuries, such as falls or car accidents. The injury is often accompanied by trauma to the lungs, chest, and other internal organs as well. This is why it is important to get in touch with an orthopedic surgeon to prevent any injury from taking a downturn.

Fortunately, shoulder blade fractures are not very common. They constitute to 1% of all broken bones. Men aged 25 to 45 suffer from the most shoulder blade fractures.

Symptoms of Shoulder Blade Fracture

These are a few common symptoms of fracture of the shoulder blade:

  • Inflammation at the back of the shoulder
  • Severe pain while using the arm
  • Bruises around the shoulder
  • Scraps around the shoulder

You should seek immediate medical attention if you have the following symptoms:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Abdominal pain
  • Decreased sensation

Fractures of the shoulder blade can be treated in both surgical and nonsurgical ways.

Non-Surgical Approach

You may not need a surgery depending on the severity of your fracture. It is important that you immobilize your arm and shoulder immediately after the injury. You should also apply ice to reduce inflammation and discomfort. Non-surgical treatments typically involve slings to keep the arm from moving accidentally.

Your physician may prescribe rehabilitation exercises after the first one week to prevent the risk of elbow and shoulder stiffness. You should continue with stretching exercises until you regain complete shoulder motion. This can take anywhere from 6 months to a year.

Surgical Approach

Surgery may be necessary if your shoulder blade fracture is extensive. Fragments of your shoulder blade bone will be repositioned in a proper alignment. They will be held in place using metal plates and special screws on the bone’s outer surface.

Orthopedic surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada as well as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV for orthopedic surgery.

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Board Certified Surgeons Dr. Bigler or Dr. Thomas at the Knee and Shoulder Institute in Las Vegas, NV to Schedule an Appointment:

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Shoulder Blade Fractures: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Shoulder Blade Fractures: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

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Medically reviewed by William Morrison, M. D. — By Erica Cirino — Updated on August 4, 2017

Understanding Shoulder Blade Fracture

The shoulder blade is a triangular-shaped bone that connects your upper arm bone to your collarbone and chest wall. You have two shoulder blades, one located on either side of your upper back. It’s protected by many muscles, which give it strength and allow it to move smoothly.

Shoulder blade fractures are not common. According to the American Association of the Orthopaedic Surgeons, they make up less than 1 percent of all broken bones in the United States each year. Because it’s so hard to break a shoulder blade, fractures are usually caused by major traumas, such as car or motorcycle crashes, sports accidents, or extreme falls.

There are several parts of the shoulder blade that may be fractured:

Scapular Body Fracture

According to Wheeless’ Textbook of Orthopaedics, an online textbook maintained by the Duke University Medical Center Department of Orthopedic Surgery, most fractures occur in the scapular body area. It is the largest part of the shoulder blade.

Scapular Neck Fracture

Shoulder blade fractures occur second-most often in the scapular neck area, according to the Duke Orthopaedics textbook. This is the narrow part of the shoulder blade right below the shoulder socket where the bone connects to the upper-arm bone.

Glenoid

This is the socket where the upper arm bone connects to the shoulder blade. Fracture is very rare in the glenoid part of the shoulder blade.

Acromion

The acromion is the highest point of the shoulder blade that connects it to the collarbone. Fractures can occur here, but they’re rarely severe.

Coracoid

This is the small hooklike bone that connects the shoulder blade to the collarbone. This bone is very unlikely to be fractured.

Fractures to the different parts of the shoulder blade may cause slightly different symptoms. But generally, symptoms include:

  • severe pain when you try to move your arm
  • inability to lift your arm over your head
  • swelling, bruising, and skin abrasion at the back of your shoulder blade

Other injuries, especially those caused by trauma, may present the same symptoms as a fractured shoulder blade. All fractures are serious, so it’s important to see a doctor right away if you experience any of the above symptoms.

Falling or being hit hard on the arm can cause shoulder blade fractures. Most commonly, a fracture occurs after:

Falling Onto an Outstretched Arm

When people are falling, they tend to reach out one or both arms to protect the rest of their bodies from injury. This pulls your arm muscles tight, making your shoulder blade more prone to a fracture.

Being Hit Hard in the Shoulder

A severe blow to the shoulder from a car or motorcycle accident, fall, or hard object (such as a baseball or a baseball bat) can fracture the shoulder blade.

If a shoulder blade fracture is suspected, your doctor will perform a complete physical exam. They will check the position and alignment of your shoulder, and will also look for other physical injuries that may have occurred along with the shoulder fracture.

If you have severe injuries, your doctor may not be able to perform a physical exam. Whether or not a physical exam is possible, your doctor will also order imaging tests of your shoulder and chest. They may order X-rays or a CT scan to determine exactly where and how badly your shoulder blade was broken.

Many people who experience shoulder blade fractures also have other serious injuries as a result of the trauma, such as skull, spine, and chest.

If left untreated, shoulder blade fractures will heal over time, but may heal in the wrong position. This is called malunion. Malunion can lead to residual pain and stiffness, mobility issues, and a bump on the back of the shoulder blade. Usually, surgery is required to fix a shoulder blade fracture that heals incorrectly.

There are several different treatments available for fractured shoulder blades.

Nonsurgical Treatment

Most fractured shoulder blades can be treated without surgery. A doctor will provide you with a sling that will hold your shoulder in place while your bones heal.

Your doctor will also give you a prescription for physical therapy to help increase your mobility and reduce stiffness and pain. You will be instructed to rest your shoulder until it’s ready for physical therapy. Physical therapy is often utilized and continues until you gain full mobility of your shoulder. Your doctor will tell you when it’s OK to remove your sling. This usually happens when your pain starts to go away.

Surgery

Certain kinds of shoulder blade fractures must be treated with surgery. These include:

  • fractures where the glenoid is displaced
  • severe fractures of scapula neck
  • acromion fractures that cause the upper arm bone to rub against it

During surgery you will be put under anesthesia. A surgeon will put your bones back into alignment and may attach them together with metal plates, screws, or wires. As with nonsurgical treatment, your surgery will be followed up by rest, and then physical therapy until your full mobility returns.

There are few risks to nonsurgical treatment of a shoulder blade fracture. If your doctor recommends surgery, you face the small risks of:

  • an adverse reaction to anesthesia
  • severe bleeding
  • infection
  • surgical mistakes
  • nerve injury

Those whose shoulder blade fractures are treated successfully can expect to return to an active, healthy life within six months to a year.

Last medically reviewed on March 9, 2016

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

  • Fracture of the shoulder blade (scapula). (n.d.)
    northwell.edu/find-care/conditions-we-treat/fracture-shoulder-blade#65696
  • Scapula (shoulder blade) fractures. (2014, March)
    orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00359&webid=24DDEB51
  • Shoulder fractures. (2014)
    drmillett.com/fractures-of-the-shoulder-area/
  • Scapular fractures. (2015, March 7). Wheeless’ Textbook of Orthopedics (online version presented by Duke Orthopaedics at Duke University Medical Center)
    wheelessonline.com/ortho/scapular_fractures

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Medically reviewed by William Morrison, M.D. — By Erica Cirino — Updated on August 4, 2017

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Fracture of the scapula – causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Fracture of the scapula is a violation of the integrity of the scapula as a result of traumatic impact. Occurs quite rarely and is usually combined with fractures of the ribs. It is manifested by pain in the scapular region, swelling and limitation of movements of the upper limb. In some cases, subcutaneous hemorrhage or brachial hemarthrosis is noted. Pathology is diagnosed on the basis of anamnesis, physical examination data and X-ray examination. The method of treatment depends on the site of the fracture of the scapula, may consist in the imposition of a fixing bandage or skeletal traction for 1 month.

General information

Fractures of the scapula are quite rare in traumatology, accounting for 0.3-1.5% of the total number of skeletal injuries. As a rule, occur simultaneously with fractures of the ribs. A fracture of the acromial process may be combined with a fracture or dislocation of the acromial end of the clavicle, a fracture of the articular process with dislocation of the shoulder. Traumatic injury is more often detected in men of working age, the peak incidence occurs at 40-60 years.

Causes

Fractures of the scapula occur due to domestic, street and industrial injuries, road accidents. Localization of damage is determined by the mechanism of injury:

  • Direct impact : fall on the back, strong blow. It prevails in the structure of morbidity, observed in fractures of the angles, spine, body of the scapula.
  • Indirect impact : fall with emphasis on the hand or on the area of ​​the elbow joint with the limb abducted. It causes fractures of the neck, coracoid, acromial processes of the scapula, articular cavity.

Pathogenesis

The scapula is a flat paired bone. It is located on the back of the chest on the side of the spine. It is part of the so-called upper shoulder girdle and is involved in the movements of the upper limb. It has a complex structure, including the body, spine, two processes, neck and articular cavity. Fractures of the scapula due to the peculiarities of its location are usually not accompanied by a pronounced displacement.

The most complex are multi-comminuted fractures of the body, as well as fractures of the acromial process, the neck of the scapula, in which displacement of bone fragments is more often observed. A fracture of the glenoid cavity belongs to the category of intra-articular, and can have a negative impact on the function of the shoulder joint due to a violation of the integrity of the articular surface, especially in the presence of free-lying fragments.

Classification

In modern traumatology and orthopedics systematization of fractures of the scapula is used, taking into account localization, which allows choosing the optimal treatment tactics and making a prognosis. There are the following types of injuries:

  • multifragmented, transverse, longitudinal fractures of the body of the scapula;
  • fractures of the acromial and coracoid processes of the scapula;
  • fracture of the surgical and anatomic neck of the scapula;
  • fracture of the articular cavity;
  • fracture of the lower and upper inner corners;
  • fracture of the spine of the scapula.

Symptoms of a scapular fracture

The clinical picture is determined by the location of the fracture. In case of damage to the corners, spine and body of the bone, pain occurs, swelling appears in the affected area due to hemorrhage into nearby soft tissues. Local edema usually corresponds to the shape of the scapula, interpreted as a symptom of a “triangular pillow”. Moderate restrictions on the movements of the upper limb are revealed, independent lifting of the arm is impossible.

Deformity in displaced fractures is not always visualized due to severe swelling, which also makes palpation difficult and can cause underdiagnosis. When feeling, the displacement of fragments, bone crepitus, and pathological mobility can be determined. Palpation of the damaged area is sharply painful.

In case of fractures of the articular cavity, the patient complains of pain in the projection of the shoulder joint. The joint is swollen, deformed, a sharp limitation of movements is detected. The contours of the surrounding bone structures are changed, the protrusion of the acromion is noted, the retraction of tissues under the acromial process. Palpation sometimes reveals a bone crunch.

Fractures of the coracoid process and acromion are manifested by local pain and swelling of the surrounding soft tissue structures. In the projection of the fracture, a bruise is formed, reaching a maximum by 2-3 days. Movements are limited, palpation is painful, sometimes crepitus is found.

Complications

Rarely, scapular fractures are complicated by trauma to the brachial plexus, axillary artery, or nerve. If the integrity of the vessel is violated, intense internal bleeding can be observed. When the nerve is ruptured and compressed, sensation and movement disorders are noted, which sometimes completely or partially persist after the fracture has healed. When the glenoid cavity of the scapula is damaged, hemarthrosis occurs.

In some patients, a “floating” (excessively mobile) scapula is detected in the long-term period, the development of which is due to atrophy of the surrounding muscles. Among the late complications of intra-articular fractures include arthrosis of the shoulder joint, limitation of movements of varying severity. After conservative treatment of intra-articular injuries, habitual dislocations of the shoulder are sometimes diagnosed.

Diagnosis

Examination is carried out in the emergency room of the trauma department, the diagnosis is made based on the results of a consultation with a traumatologist. The following methods apply:

  • Visual inspection . In favor of a fracture of the scapula, depending on its location, the presence of a “triangular pillow”, a characteristic limitation of movements, and severe pain testify. Undoubted signs of a fracture are pathological mobility of fragments and bone crepitus.
  • Radiography . It is the main method of instrumental diagnostics. For most fractures, radiographs of the scapula are performed in frontal and lateral projections. If the glenoid cavity is damaged, an x-ray of the shoulder joint is shown.
  • Other imaging techniques . They are of secondary importance. To clarify the features of the fracture and the location of the fragments in multi-fractured fractures, CT of the scapula is prescribed. To assess the state of the surrounding structures, an MRI of soft tissues is performed.
  • Shoulder puncture . It is carried out with injuries of the articular cavity. It is a therapeutic and diagnostic manipulation that allows you to confirm the presence of blood in the joint cavity, to carry out its evacuation.

In the presence of concomitant injuries (injuries to the chest, spine), the list of diagnostic methods is expanded. In case of rupture or compression of the neurovascular bundle, the examination plan includes consultations with a vascular surgeon, neurologist or neurosurgeon.

KT OGK. Fracture of the wing of the right scapula.

Treatment of a fractured scapula

First aid

At the prehospital stage, the hand on the side of the lesion is fixed with a bandage or a wire splint. If intra-articular damage or rupture of the vessel is suspected, cold is applied (an ice pack or heating pad wrapped in a towel) to the joint area. With intense pain, give analgesics. Attempts to reduce are strictly prohibited due to the possibility of developing a secondary displacement.

Conservative therapy

Upon admission, the traumatologist performs local anesthesia of the fracture area. The method of immobilization is determined by the location of the injury:

  • In case of fractures without displacement, a Dezo bandage is applied to support the forearm and fix the shoulder to the chest. A roller is placed in the armpit. On the 10-11th day, the bandage is removed, the patient’s hand is hung on a scarf bandage.
  • In case of fracture of the acromion with displacement of the fragments, an abduction splint is used for a period of 4-6 weeks.
  • Treatment of fractures of the articular cavity and neck of the scapula with displacement is carried out using cutaneous or skeletal traction for a period of 1 month. Subsequently, a thoracobrachial bandage is applied for 3 weeks.

Complete fusion occurs within 1-2.5 months. In the early days, with severe pain, analgesics are administered intramuscularly. Patients are prescribed physical therapy, massage, physiotherapy. Apply the following physiotherapy:

  • UHF – promotes vasodilation, activation of blood circulation and tissue metabolism;
  • magnetotherapy – stimulates the formation of bone tissue;
  • interference currents – accelerate the resorption of bruises, reduce pain, eliminate swelling;
  • drug electrophoresis – the use of local anesthetics can reduce the severity of pain, the use of hydrocortisone reduces inflammation.

Surgical treatment

Surgical treatment of scapular fractures is rarely used.

  • intra-articular injuries are considered as indications, if the fragments are displaced by 5 or more millimeters, the fracture line extends to a quarter or more of the articular surface;
  • fractures of the neck, if the fragments are displaced by more than 10 mm, the angle of the articular cavity is changed by 40 or more degrees;
  • shoulder subluxations;
  • damage to the upper supporting complex (dislocations and fractures of the clavicle).

In case of isolated injuries, bone osteosynthesis of the scapula with small plates is usually performed. Damage to the supporting complex may require complex interventions with simultaneous plasty of the acromioclavicular joint, external or intramedullary fixation of the clavicle, immobilization of the scapula using screws or plates. After the operation, the upper limb is fixed in the abduction position. The patient is prescribed antibiotic therapy and painkillers, and rehabilitation measures are carried out.

Prognosis

The prognosis for scapula fracture is favorable in most cases. Fractures without displacement heal well, do not entail negative consequences. In case of injuries with displacement, especially intra-articular, movement restrictions, degenerative-dystrophic changes are possible. With concomitant nerve injuries, neuropathies can be observed.

Prevention

Preventive measures include the prevention of domestic injuries, following the rules of the road, following the rules of occupational safety. In case of injuries of the upper parts of the chest, the traumatologist’s alertness regarding possible concomitant injuries of the scapula is important.

Fractures of the scapula, causes, symptoms and treatment

A fracture of the scapula is an injury to the bony structure that is located in the upper back and connects the chest and shoulder. The scapula forms the articular cavity of the shoulder joint, which connects to the humerus, and the bony protrusions – the coracoid process and acromion – connect the scapula and collarbone. A fracture can damage any of these areas of the bone structure.

Fracture of the scapula is a rare injury, accounting for less than 1% of all fractures. As a rule, it occurs in men aged 25-45 years and is associated with sports and professional activities. A fracture should be suspected with severe pain in the scapula, swelling and bruising. With these signs of injury, you should immediately contact a traumatologist and undergo a diagnosis.

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Symptoms of scapula fractures

Visually, a scapula fracture makes itself felt by swelling and bruising in the upper back or shoulder – above the acromion and coracoid process. The patient is also worried about severe pain, which increases with hand movements and even breathing, since the chest is involved in the process and its movement leads to displacement of the damaged bone. The listed pain sensations can also occur with other injuries, but if they persist for longer than 3-5 days, the cause is most likely a fracture of the scapula.

Typically, patients with fractures cannot raise their arm from the side of the injury and must keep it pressed against their body to reduce pain. Often the injury is accompanied by flattening or deformity in the injured area.

Article checked

Kuchenkov A.V.

Orthopedist • Traumatologist • Surgeon • Phlebologist • Sports doctor • 25 years of experience

Publication date: March 24, 2021

Review date: February 22, 2023

Article content

    Causes

    Varieties

    Diagnosis

    Fractures of the scapula are determined on the basis of examination, palpation, hand mobility tests and the results of instrumental diagnostic methods. The traumatologist recommends that the patient undergo an x-ray of the chest and shoulder. In order to exclude an intra-articular fracture, the patient is additionally prescribed computed tomography of the shoulder, and to diagnose the condition of the chest and abdominal organs, CT of these areas is prescribed.