Scapulothoracic dissociation

Scapulothoracic dissociation is an uncommon and devastating traumatic injury. A review of 72 cases in the English literature shows that a broad range of musculoskeletal and neurovascular injuries resulting from blunt trauma have been classified as scapulothoracic dissociation since the term was first used in 1984. A review of the current clinical signs and radiographic findings that define scapulothoracic dissociation, as well as a brief description of treatment options and outcomes, is presented.