nullScapula Fractures
Thomas P. Goss, MD
Robert V. Cantu, MD
University of Massachusetts Medical Center
Scapulothoracic Dissociation
Andrew H. Schmidt, MD
Created March 2004Scapula Fractures
Thomas P. Goss, MD
Robert V. Cantu, MD
University of Massachusetts Medical Center
Scapulothoracic Dissociation
Andrew H. Schmidt, MD
Created March 2004Outline
Outline
1. Incidence and Mechanisms
2. Diagnosis and Nonoperative Treatment
3. Fractures of the Glenoid Process
4. Isolated Fractures of the Coracoid Process
Outline ContinuedOutline Continued5. Isolated Fractures of the Acromial Process
6. Double Disruptions of the Superior Shoulder Suspensory Complex
7. Scapulothoracic Dissociation
8. ComplicationsIncidence of Scapula FracturesIncidence of Scapula Fractures
1% of all fractures
3% of injuries to shoulder girdle
5% of shoulder fractures
Location of Scapula FracturesLocation of Scapula FracturesDiagnosisDiagnosisHistory typically high energy injury (80-95% incidence other injury)
Mechanism often direct but can be indirect
Diagnosis ultimately radiographicRadiographsRadiographs“Scapula trauma series”: AP and Lat of scapula, true glenohumeral axillary view
CT scanning for complex injuries with 3D reconstructions
Stress AP projection if injury to the clavicular-scapular linkage suspectedNonoperative TreatmentNonoperative Treatment>90% scapular fractures minimally displaced
Treatment in sling and swathe with gradual increase of functional use for first 6 weeks
x-rays at 2 week intervals until 6 weeksNonoperative Tx ContinuedNonoperative Tx ContinuedAt 6 weeks osseous union usually present and sling/swathe discontinued
Full recovery may take 6 months to 1 yearOperative IndicationsOperative Indications1. Significantly displaced (5-10mm) fractures of glenoid cavity (rim and fossa)
2. Significantly displaced (10mm or 40 degrees rotation) fractures of the glenoid neck
3. Double Disruptions of the superior suspensory shoulder complex with displacement of one or more elements Glenoid Process Glenoid Process
Glenoid process includes glenoid cavity (rim and fossa) and glenoid neck
Fractures of the Glenoid Cavity (Rim and Fossa)Fractures of the Glenoid Cavity (Rim and Fossa)
10% of scapula fractures of which no more than 10% are significantly displaced
Classification Glenoid Cavity FracturesClassification Glenoid Cavity FracturesIa= anterior rim fracture
Ib=posterior rim fractureClassification Glenoid Cavity FracturesClassification Glenoid Cavity FracturesII= fracture line through glenoid fossa exiting at lateral border of scapulaClassification Glenoid Cavity FracturesClassification Glenoid Cavity FracturesIII= fracture line through glenoid fossa exiting at superior border of the scapulaClassification Glenoid Cavity FracturesClassification Glenoid Cavity FracturesIV= fracture line through glenoid fossa exiting at the medial border of the scapulaClassification Glenoid Cavity FracturesClassification Glenoid Cavity FracturesVa= combination types II and IV
Vb= combination types III and IV
Vc= combination types II,III, and IVClassification Glenoid Cavity FracturesClassification Glenoid Cavity Fractures
VI= comminuted fractureGlenoid Rim FracturesGlenoid Rim FracturesInstability anticipated if fracture displaced 10mm and involves one fourth anterior aspect or one third posterior aspect glenoid cavity
Fractures of anterior rim approached anteriorly and posterior rim posteriorlyFractures of the Glenoid FossaFractures of the Glenoid FossaSurgery if articular step-off 5-10mm or displacement causes subluxation humeral head out of glenoid cavity
All glenoid fossa fractures approached posteriorlyGlenoid Neck FracturesGlenoid Neck Fractures25% of scapula fractures of which 10% or less are significantly displaced
Mechanism can be direct blow, fall on outstretched arm, or fall on superior aspect shoulder
Classification Glenoid Neck FracturesClassification Glenoid Neck FracturesType I: non and minimally displaced (<10mm)
Type II: translational displacement 1cm or more or angulatory displacement 40 degrees or moreGlenoid Neck Fractures ContinuedGlenoid Neck Fractures ContinuedSurgery for type II fractures
Posterior approach between infraspinatus and teres minor
Fixation with 3.5mm recon plate, and possibly k-wires or interfragmentary screwsIsolated Fractures of the Coracoid ProcessIsolated Fractures of the Coracoid ProcessFracture can be at base of coracoid, between CA and CC ligaments, or at tip (avulsion)
Diagnosis often on plain films but CT scan may be needed to better define fracture
Fractures at tip of coracoid typically treated non-operatively (athletes and manual laborers may be exceptions)Coracoid Fractures Con’tCoracoid Fractures Con’tSurgical options include ORIF (cannulated 3.5 or 4.0mm screw) or excision fragment and suture fixation conjoined tendon to remaining coracoid process
Fractures between CA and CC ligaments can often be treated non-operatively unless high physical demand patient
Fractures at base coracoid generally minimally displaced and treated non-operatively. Fibrous union may occur but rarely source discomfortIsolated Fractures of the Acromial ProcessIsolated Fractures of the Acromial ProcessScapula series detects most acromial fractures
Os acromionale may complicate evaluation
Most are nondisplaced or minimally displaced and treated symptomatically
Fixation of Acromial FracturesFixation of Acromial FracturesIf ORIF undertaken tension band construct for fractures at distal portion and 3.5mm recon plate for more proximal fracturesDouble Disruptions of the Superior Suspensory Shoulder Complex (SSSC)Double Disruptions of the Superior Suspensory Shoulder Complex (SSSC)SSSC is a bone-soft tissue ring at the end of a superior and inferior bone strut
Ring includes glenoid process, coracoid process, CC ligaments, distal clavicle, AC joint, acromial process
Superior strut is middle third clavicle
Inferior strut is lateral scapular body and spineSuperior Shoulder Suspensory ComplexSuperior Shoulder Suspensory ComplexDouble Disruption of SSSCDouble Disruption of SSSCTraumatic disruption 2 or more components SSSC usually secondary to high energy injury and frequently require surgical management
Frequently described as “Floating Shoulder”
Potential long term consequences non-operative treatment include: nonunion, malunion, impingement, altered shoulder mechanics, DJD, neurovascular compromiseFloating ShoulderFloating ShoulderOperative management recommended because of potential instability, displacement of glenoid
Recent series of floating shoulders treated nonoperatively shows good results with conservative care.Nonoperative Management of Ipsilateral Fractures of the Scapula and ClavicleNonoperative Management of Ipsilateral Fractures of the Scapula and ClavicleRetrospective review of 20 cases
11 of 20 clavicle fx’s displaced > 10 mm
5 of 20 scapular fx’s displaced > 5 mm
Treated with sling or immobilizer
Evaluated by 3 different shoulder scores, strength compared to uninjured shoulder.Edwards SG, et al. JBJS 82B: 774-80, 2000ResultsResults1 clavicle nonunion (segmental bone loss at injury)
Strength = to opposite arm in all
Constant score 96, Rowe score 95
17-18 patients excellent results depending on evaluation systemEdwards SG, et al. JBJS 82B: 774-80, 2000Summary - Floating ShoulderSummary - Floating ShoulderNonoperative treatment sufficient for many of these injuries.
Each component of the injury should be separately evaluated for indications for surgery, but the combination itself does not mandate operative interventionScapulothoracic Dissociation Scapulothoracic Dissociation Traumatic disruption of scapula from posterior chest wall
Neurovascular injury common
Scapulothoracic Dissociation
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Closed Forequarter AmputationScapulothoracic Dissociation
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Closed Forequarter AmputationScapulothoracic DissociationScapulothoracic DissociationLeft scapulothoracic dissociation with brachial artery disruptionScapulothoracic DissociationScapulothoracic DissociationRare, life-threatening injury
First described in 1984 (Oreck, JBJS 66A:758).
Hallmark: Severe neurovascular injury to the upper extremity, associated with lateral displacement of the scapula.
Sometimes associated with obvious fracture or dislocation about the shoulder
Sometimes without obvious bone injury Scapulothoracic Dissociation Caused by Blunt TraumaScapulothoracic Dissociation Caused by Blunt TraumaReview of 4 personal cases and 54 described in the literature
Broad spectrum of injuries:
Neurologic injuries in 94%
Vascular injuries in 88%
Poor Outcome
Flail extremity in 52%
Early amputation in 21%
Death in 10%, 8% due to this injuryDamschen et al, J Trauma 42:537, 1997.Musculoskeletal InjuriesMusculoskeletal InjuriesDamschen et al, J Trauma 42:537, 1997.Clavicle Injury: 47%Sternoclavicular separation: 28%Acromioclavicular separation: 25%Brachial Plexus InjuryBrachial Plexus InjuryComplete brachial plexopathy: 81%
Partial plexopathy: 13%
None: 6%Damschen et al, J Trauma 42:537, 1997.Neurologic Injury in Scapulothoracic DissociationNeurologic Injury in Scapulothoracic DissociationIf deficit present EMG done at 3 weeks to determine extent and assess recovery if any
Cervical myelography can be performed at 6 weeks
Nerve root avulsions and complete deficits have a poor prognosis
Partial plexus injuries have good prognosis and functional use extremity often regainedVascular InjuryVascular InjurySubclavian or axillary artery: 88%
None: 12%Damschen et al, J Trauma 42:537, 1997.DiagnosisDiagnosisMassive swelling of shoulder region
Pulseless arm
Complete or partial neurologic deficit
Lateral displacement of scapula on a non-rotated chest radiograph is diagnosticnull37 year old male, found lying on ground, intoxicated.
Paramedics noted broken branches above.
Patient later found to have fallen from 2nd story balconyIntoxicated
Pale
In acute distress
Bilateral breath sounds present
Left shoulder swelling
Absent pulses left arm
Unable to move left arm
nullDistal Clavicle FractureChest RadiographyChest RadiographyRatio of distance between medial border of scapula and spinous process on non-rotated CXR (A/B)= 1.07Chest Radiography has many pitfalls:
Absence of bony injury
Patient position
Bilateral injuriesKelbel et al, CORR 209:210, 1986.CT ScanCT ScanSubclavicular swellingArteriogramArteriogramClassificationClassificationType I: Musculoskeletal injury alone
Type IIA: Musculoskeletal injury with vascular disruption
Type IIB: Musculoskeletal injury with neurologic impairment
Type III: Musculoskeletal injury with both neurologic and vascular injury
Damschen et al, J Trauma 42:537, 1997.Initial TreatmentInitial TreatmentPatients often polytraumatized
ATLS protocols must be followed.
Angiography of limb.
Vascular repair, with exploration of brachial plexus.Case ExampleCase ExampleTo OR immediately
Revascularization of Left Arm with Goretex graft.
Musculocutaneous nerve avulsion ???What can the orthopedist do?What can the orthopedist do?Stabilize associated bone or joint injury
Clavicle fractures are most common.Benefits of Skeletal StabilizationBenefits of Skeletal StabilizationAvoid delayed or nonunion
Stabilize shoulder girdle
Protect vascular and/or neurologic repairsORIF ClavicleORIF ClavicleComplications of RevascularizationComplications of RevascularizationGraft thrombosis
Compartment syndrome
Hyperkalemia
Rhabdomyolysis, myoglobinuria
Case ExampleCase ExampleCPK levels: 9579 IU/L just after admission
Hb: 13.7 @admission to 8.1 4 hrs later
Treated with iv fluids and alkalinization of urine, no renal failure seen.Deep Vein ThrombosisDeep Vein ThrombosisSevere swelling of arm 2 weeks later
DVT L cephalic and brachial veinsLater TreatmentLater Treatment3 weeks: EMG
6 weeks: cervical myelography
Shoulder arthrodesis and/or above-elbow amputation may be necessary if the limb is flail.PrognosisPrognosisNerve avulsion or complete neurologic deficit: poor
Partial neurologic deficit: goodCase ExampleCase ExampleCervical myelogram: no root avulsion
EMG 4 months: severe, widespread brachial plexopathy, complete denervation.
Repeat EMG 7 months: no change.
To OR for exploration, neurolysis.
2.5 years, arm remains paralyzed.Limb SalvageLimb SalvageIf initial exploration of the brachial plexus reveals a severe injury, primary above-elbow amputation should be considered .
If cervical myelography reveals 3 or more pseudomeningoceles, the prognosis is similarly poor.Summary - Scapulothoracic DissociationSummary - Scapulothoracic DissociationScapulothoracic dissociation may be a life or limb-threatening injury
If revascularization is necessary, try to explore the brachial plexus at the same time - if it is “shredded” amputation may be considered
Orthopedic stabilization of any skeletal injury is warranted - although the outcome remains poor in most cases.Intrathoracic Dislocation of the ScapulaIntrathoracic Dislocation of the Scapula
Extremely rare
Inferior angle scapula locked in intercostal space
Chest CT may be needed to confirm diagnosis
Intrathoracic Dislocation of the Scapula ContinuedIntrathoracic Dislocation of the Scapula Continued
Treatment is closed reduction and immobilization with sling and swathe and tape for 2 weeks followed by progressive functional use of shoulder and armComplications of Scapula FracturesComplications of Scapula FracturesNonunion (rare)
Malunion more common
DJD glenohumeral joint
Shoulder instability
Glenohumeral pain and dysfunction
Infection, neurovascular injury, loss of fixationReturn to
Upper Extremity
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