The fractured scapula: importance and management based on a series of 62 x

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patients. x Armstrong CP. Van der Spuy J. x Injury; British Journal of Accident Surgery. 15(5):324-9, 1984 Mar. x A prospective analysis of 62 patients with 64 fractured scapulas is x presented. Most cases are caused by severe injury, especially motor x vehicle accidents. Of the total number of patients, 87.1 per cent had x other injuries, with thoracic injury being especially common. Six patients x died--a mortality rate of 9.7 per cent. The combination of a fracture of x the scapula and the underlying first rib appears to be a particularly x severe injury. Good results can be obtained with conservative therapy in x fractures of the body, spine, coracoid and acromion. Less favourable x results follow fractures of the neck and glenoid. In young and fit x patients open reduction may be indicated in fractures of the neck and x glenoid. x