Fractures of the scapula: a review of 53 fractures

A series of 53 fractures of the scapula has been reviewed. Almost three fourths of our patients were injuried in automobile or motorcycle accidents in which severe force was applied to the shoulder region. There is rarely a problem in diagnosis, but one may need to take special roentgenographic views to delineate the extent of the fracture clearly. A geographic classification of these fractures was used, and it was found that 66% occur in the region of the scapular neck. It was emphasized that 81% of these patients had other associated injuries, many of which were life threatening. Symptomatic immobilization of the scapular fracture seems to be adequate for the vast majority, if not all, patients.