Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026
Pseudofracture: An Acute Peripheral Tissue Trauma Model
Published on: April 18, 2011
Fracture dislocation of the glenoid fossa with open physis: a case report
Felipe G Toro1, Alex Vaisman, Ignacio E Villalón
1Orthopaedic Surgery Department, Clínica Alemana de Santiago and Faculty of Medicine, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile.
Background:
Scapular fractures are uncommon injuries that account for 1% of all fractures. Ten percent of these lesions involve the glenoid fossa and intraarticular displacement is rare, not exceeding 10% of the cases. The classification of intraarticular glenoid fractures was described by Ideberg on the basis of his findings in 100 patients with this type of injury. His classification, however, does not include a dislocation of the glenoid fossa without displacement of the humeral head.
Methods:
We report the case of a fracture dislocation of the glenoid fossa without displacement of the humeral head in a patient with open physis. Our surgical approach and results after 6 years of follow-up.
Results:
Six years postoperatively the patient has minimal occasional discomfort and a full range of motion and strength, even in external rotation. Shoulder stability is also normal. Her Constant score is 97. The fracture is actually healed clinically and radiographically with no evidence of post traumatic articular degenerative disease or avascular changes.
Conclusions:
The fracture/dislocation of the glenoid fossa is an uncommon injury that can be effectively treated by open reduction and internal fixation. A posterior surgical approach was useful to achieve anatomic reduction and strong fixation in this case presentation.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
01:09Functional Classification of Joints
The functional classification of joints is determined by the amount of mobility between the adjacent bones. Joints are functionally classified as a synarthrosis or immobile joint, an amphiarthrosis or slightly moveable joint, or as a diarthrosis, a freely moveable joint. Fibrous and cartilaginous joints can be functionally classified as either synarthroses or amphiarthroses, whereas all synovial joints are classified as diarthroses.
Synarthrosis
An immobile...
01:16Bones of the Lower Limb: Femur and Patella
01:24Flail Chest-I
Flail chest is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the fracture of three or more adjacent ribs in multiple places. It is most commonly caused by direct impacts and trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or injuries from a steering wheel impact. It can also occur due to falls in elderly individuals with osteoporosis, or assaults involving sharp objects.
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of flail chest is complex, involving fractures of...
01:19Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus