Traumatic scapulothoracic dissociation

Scapulothoracic dissociation represents a closed traumatic forequarter amputation associated with major neurovascular injury. Radiographic findings consist of lateral displacement of the scapula on a well-centered plain film of the chest. Associated abnormalities include disruption of the acromioclavicular joint or, as in our two cases, distracted fractures of the clavicle. Persons in whom scalpulothoracic dissociation is diagnosed should undergo emergency angiography and surgery.