Unusual Presentation of Fracture Scapula

Abstract

Scapular fractures are relatively rare, constituting 0.4% to 1% of all fractures and 3% to 5% of all shoulder girdle injuries [1]. Displaced fractures of the scapula constitute 6% of these fractures [2]. This may be because scapula is a sturdy and well protected bone. The rarity of scapular fractures speaks of the great force required to disrupt the scapula. They are usually caused due to high energy vehicular trauma or fall from height. Accordingly, there are often associated injuries of the ipsilateral limb, shoulder girdle, cervical spine and thorax. In patients with multiple injuries, scapular fractures are often overlooked or neglected, because of other life threatening injuries requiring urgent attention. In most cases, early functional treatment of scapular fractures produces good to excellent results. The bone is embedded in large muscle masses, so that, when fractures do occur, displacement of the fragment is usually minimal and complete recovery is the rule. It is exceptional for a scapular fracture to require open reduction and operative intervention. It is justified only when bone and soft tissue damage are such that with only conservative measures, function will not be restored and post traumatic osteoarthritis will develop. This report is of a rare case of displaced scapular fracture in a young lady following a road traffic accident, which was managed with closed reduction and immobilisation, which led to satisfactory result.