Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026

10:07
Measurement of Dynamic Scapular Kinematics Using an Acromion Marker Cluster to Minimize Skin Movement Artifact
Published on: February 10, 2015
Fractures of the scapula.
N P Südkamp1, N Jaeger, L Bornebusch
1Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Dept. Orthopädie und Traumatologie, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.
Acta Chirurgiae Orthopaedicae Et Traumatologiae Cechoslovaca
|September 6, 2011
Summary
Scapular fractures, often from high-energy trauma, require careful diagnosis. Operative treatment is now recommended for specific fracture patterns to improve shoulder function and reduce pain.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Trauma Surgery
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- The scapula is crucial for shoulder mobility.
- Historically, scapular fractures were treated conservatively.
- Recent evidence suggests operative intervention for certain patterns improves outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current management strategies for scapular fractures.
- To highlight the importance of advanced diagnostics and classification systems.
- To define indications for surgical intervention in scapular fractures.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical studies and trauma data.
- Emphasis on diagnostic imaging, including X-rays and CT scans.
- Application of the new Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) fracture classification system.
Main Results:
- Scapular fractures commonly occur with multiple associated injuries.
- Surgical emergencies are rare; treatment is often delayed until recovery.
- The OTA classification system aids in assessing fracture severity and prognosis.
Conclusions:
- Accurate diagnosis and classification are essential for optimal scapular fracture management.
- Surgical intervention is indicated for specific complex fractures, including double disruptions of the suspensory system or glenoid involvement.
- A thorough understanding of the scapular suspensory complex guides treatment decisions.
Related Concept Videos
Muscles of the Shoulder
The muscles surrounding the shoulder girdle, including the clavicle and scapula, primarily stabilize the scapula. This stable base allows other muscles to move the humerus effectively. Scapular movements often mirror those of the humerus and extend its range of motion. For instance, raising the arm above the head would not be feasible without simultaneous upward rotation of the scapula.
Anterior Thoracic Muscles
The anterior thoracic muscles include the serratus anterior, subclavius, and...
Anterior Thoracic Muscles
The anterior thoracic muscles include the serratus anterior, subclavius, and...
Muscles that Move the Arm
Nine muscles are involved in arm movements. Two of these, the pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi, originate from the axial skeleton and are called axial muscles. The other seven originate from the scapula and are called the scapular muscles.
The pectoralis major has two origins. Its clavicular head originates on the medial half of the clavicle. In contrast, the sternocostal head originates on the costal cartilages of ribs 1-6, the sternum, and the aponeurosis of the external oblique of the...
The pectoralis major has two origins. Its clavicular head originates on the medial half of the clavicle. In contrast, the sternocostal head originates on the costal cartilages of ribs 1-6, the sternum, and the aponeurosis of the external oblique of the...
Flail Chest-I
Overview of Flail Chest
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...
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...
Fractures: Bone Repair
Treatment for a fracture is based on the type of break, the bone affected, and the patient's age.
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...
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...
Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus
The upper limb consists of the arm, forearm, wrist, and hand bones. The humerus is the single bone of the upper arm region. Proximally, it has a large, spherical, smooth head that articulates with the glenoid cavity of the scapula to form the glenohumeral or shoulder joint. The margin of the head is the anatomical neck, a residual epiphyseal plate. Laterally it extends to form bony projections called the greater tubercle and the lesser tubercle. Next to the tubercles is the surgical neck, a...
Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
The upper and lower limb initially develops as a small bulge called a limb bud, which appears on the lateral side of the early embryo. The upper limb bud appears near the end of the fourth week of development, with the lower limb bud appearing shortly after.
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
