Open scapulothoracic dissociation with intact neurovascular status in a child

A case of open scapulothoracic dissociation with intact neurovascular status in an 8-year-old girl is reported. Scapulothoracic dissociation is a rare injury. Most cases present with significant soft tissue disruption in the shoulder region secondary to separation of the scapula from the thorax, and involve major vascular and brachial plexus injuries. This case report illustrates that an obvious roentgenographic scapulothoracic dissociation may be seen without any neurovascular deficit in a child. Successful treatment, with anatomical repair of the muscles and stabilization of the scapula, is described.