OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes on 15 unstable scapula fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation. METHODS: A retrospective study to evaluate the results of scapula fracture fixation in 15 patients, managed at our Institution during a 10-year period. Shoulder function was recorded in both upper extremities with both the Schofer et al. and the Constant-Murley score. Radiographic analysis was done in terms of loss of reduction, nonunion, and post-traumatic degenerative changes. Statistical analysis was purely descriptive with calculation of percentage. RESULTS: All fractures healed in a mean of 90 days, as documented by simple radiographs. At the last consultation, the mean follow-up was 45.6 months (ranging from 14 to 109,2 months). No patient had constant pain or referred incapacity. The mean Constant- Murley score for the 15 patients was 84 points (ranging from 76 to 90 points). Of the 15 patients, 13 (86.7%) had returned to their previous employment and recreational activities with- out restrictions. No signs of loss of reduction, nonunion, or post-traumatic degenerative changes were seen. In addition, no ardware impingement or articular penetration was observed in any case. CONCLUSION: The respect to the soft tissue is the cornerstone of proper treatment of this scapular fractures. In our series good results were obtained when appropriate preoperative planning and post-operative rehabilitation has been performed.
Scapular Fracture; Surgical Treatment; Outcomes
