Management of Extra-articular Scapular Fractures: A Narrative Review and Proposal of a Treatment Algorithm

Clin Orthop Surg. 2023 Oct;15(5):695-703. doi: 10.4055/cios23031. Epub 2023 Sep 15.

Abstract

The management of scapular fractures can be either conservative or operative, but it is still unclear how to choose the treatment option. Scapular fractures can be classified anatomically into four types: scapular spine, scapular body, and scapular neck where the treatment is conservative most of the time except for certain indications that are specific to each one, and inferior angle of the scapula where the operative treatment yields the best results but conservative treatment can be contemplated in some cases.

Keywords: Body of scapula; Inferior angle of scapula; Scapular fracture; Scapular neck; Scapular spine.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Conservative Treatment
  • Fractures, Bone* / diagnostic imaging
  • Fractures, Bone* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Scapula / diagnostic imaging
  • Shoulder Fractures*