doi:10.1155/2012/903850 Review Article Fractures of the Scapula

Copyright © 2012 Pramod B. Voleti et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. The scapula plays a critical role in the association between the upper extremity and the axial skeleton. Fractures of the scapula account for 0.4 % to 1 % of all fractures and have an annual incidence of approximately 10 per 100,000 inhabitants. Scapular fractures typically result from a high-energy blunt-force mechanism and are often associated with other traumatic injuries. The present review focuses on the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of fractures of the scapula. Indications for surgical treatment of glenoid fossa, scapular neck, and scapular body fractures are presented in detail. Finally, the authors ’ preferred surgical technique, including positioning, approach, reduction, fixation, and post-operative management, is described. 1