[Surgical treatment of scapular fractures]

To evaluate the findings and results in patients who were treated surgically for scapular fractures.

Six patients (4 females, 2 males; mean age 40 years; range 25 to 59 years) with scapular fractures were treated by open reduction and internal fixation. All the fractures were caused by traffic accidents and all the patients had associated injuries. Four patients had scapular neck fractures, three of whom had accompanying ipsilateral clavicular fractures. In two patients, the fractures involved the glenoid fossa. The mean follow-up period was 27 months (range 18 to 38 months). Functional evaluations were made according to the scoring system described by Herscovici et al.

The results were excellent in six patients, good in one, and fair in one patient. Four patients had no pain. Three patients returned to preinjury jobs. Two patients who were housewives were able do their housework. The range of movement was greater than 120 degrees in both abduction and flexion, and the muscle strength was 5 in four patients. No postoperative complications were encountered.

Open reduction and stabilization followed by early rehabilitation may be successful in preventing stiffness, pain, and disability in scapular neck fractures accompanied by ipsilateral clavicle fractures, or fractures involving the glenoid fossa and leading to significant displacement.