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Scapula Fracture

Understanding, Diagnosing, and Treating Scapula Fractures

What is a Scapula Fracture?

A scapula fracture refers to a break in the shoulder blade (scapula), one of the major bones that form the shoulder joint. Although rare, scapula fractures typically result from high-energy trauma, such as car accidents, falls from significant heights, or direct blows to the shoulder. The scapula plays a vital role in shoulder movement and stability, making fractures in this area highly impactful to the arm’s function and strength.

Dr. Abhinav Mishra, a leading expert in shoulder trauma, is experienced in diagnosing and treating scapula fractures, helping patients regain mobility and return to daily activities.

Symptoms of Scapula Fracture

  • Severe Pain
  • Swelling and Bruising
  • Limited Shoulder Movement
  • Deformity

Causes of Scapula Fracture

High-Energy Trauma
  • Car accidents or motorcycle crashes are the most common causes of scapula fractures due to the force applied to the shoulder area.
  • The bone may be fractured due to the impact of the steering wheel, dashboard, or external objects in an accident.
Falls from Heights
  • Falling from a significant height, such as from a ladder or building, can cause the scapula to fracture upon impact with the ground or another surface.
Sports Injuries
  • Contact sports like football, rugby, and hockey, or high-impact sports like skiing or cycling, can result in direct blows to the shoulder that cause fractures.
Direct Trauma to the Shoulder
  • A direct blow to the shoulder, for example, from a heavy object, a punch, or during a fall, can lead to a scapula fracture.
Osteoporosis
  • In some cases, a scapula fracture can occur with minimal force, especially in older adults with weakened bones due to osteoporosis.

Treatment Options for Scapula Fracture

Non-Surgical Treatment
  • Rest and Immobilization: The arm is typically immobilized with a sling to keep the shoulder stable during healing.
  • Pain Management: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are used to manage pain and reduce inflammation.
  • Ice Therapy: Applying ice packs to the shoulder can help reduce swelling and pain.
  • Physical Therapy: Once the initial healing phase has passed, gentle physical therapy exercises are introduced to regain range of motion and strength.
Surgical Treatment
  • Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF): This procedure involves realigning the fractured pieces of the scapula and securing them with screws, plates, or wires. This is typically done for displaced fractures or fractures that affect the joint.
  • Shoulder Joint Replacement: In rare cases where the scapula is severely damaged or the fracture affects the shoulder joint, partial or total shoulder replacement may be required to restore function.
  • Arthroscopic Surgery: In some cases, arthroscopic surgery may be used for minimally invasive fracture repair.
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