A Reverse Judet approach to the scapula.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Surgical Anatomy

Background:

• Scapular body fractures involving the neck and glenoid articular surface present significant surgical exposure challenges.
• Existing surgical approaches offer limited visualization of the entire scapula (scapular body, neck, and articular surface).

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel surgical technique, the 'Reverse Judet' approach, for improved exposure of complex scapular fractures.
• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of this technique through cadaveric dissections and a clinical case study.

Main Methods:

• Cadaveric dissections were performed to detail the anatomical landmarks and exposure provided by the 'Reverse Judet' technique.
• A clinical case of a complex scapular fracture was managed using this novel approach.

Main Results:

• The 'Reverse Judet' technique provides wide exposure of the infraspinous scapular body, neck, and glenoid articular surface.
• The approach effectively avoids critical neural structures during surgical access.

Conclusions:

• The 'Reverse Judet' technique offers a valuable solution for achieving adequate surgical exposure in complex scapular fractures.
• This method enhances visualization of key scapular structures while prioritizing patient safety by avoiding neural damage.