Single lateral versus medial and lateral plates for treating displaced scapular body fractures: a retrospective comparative study

Abstract

This study compared the outcomes and complications of single lateral plating vs. dual plating for treating displaced scapular body fractures. Open reduction and internal fixation using locking plates was performed in 45 patients with displaced scapular fractures. A single lateral plate fixed in the lateral border was used in 22 patients (group A), and dual plates fixed in both the lateral and medial borders were used in 23 (group B). The average follow-up duration in both groups was 20 months. A remarkable difference was seen between the 2 groups in mean operative time and blood loss, although the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand and Constant Shoulder scores at the final follow-up were similar. The prominence rate of the hardware was 27.3% (6 of 22) in group A and 65.2% (15 of 23) in group B. The plate removal rate was 31.8% (7 of 22) in group A and 78.3% (18 of 23) in group B. Open reduction using a single plate on the lateral border for treating displaced scapular body fractures can lead to good functional outcomes, shorter operative time, less blood loss, and fewer plate-related complications compared with the dual-plating technique.