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about the Shoulder > Fracture of the Scapula (Shoulder Blade) What is a Fracture of the Scapula? The scapulas are the large, flat, triangular bones that form the back part of the shoulder. They are covered by muscles on both surfaces which attach to the ribs and spine and then to the muscles of the arm. The scapula and humerus form the glenohumeral joint. This is what you would normally think of as your "shoulder joint". The glenohumeral joint is a ball-and-socket joint, consisting of the head of the humerus (ball) and the glenoid fossa (socket), which is formed by a slightly hollowed portion of the end of the shoulder blade. The scapula can be fractured in 3 different areas: the body of the scapula; the neck of the scapula or glenoid (which connects the humerus—upper arm bone—to the shoulder joint); or the acromion process (which connects to the acromioclavicular joint bone in the shoulder). Because a fracture of the body of the scapula is often associated with other, more serious injuries, like those suffered in a motorcycle accident, diagnosis of a fracture of the body of the scapula is often overlooked. It is commonly associated with rib fractures. If the fracture is not associated with other life-threatening injuries, a sling or shoulder immobilizer may be used for 1-to-2 weeks until the pain subsides. Soon after, light exercises for the shoulder area are recommended. Causes of a Fracture of the Scapula? Many fractures of the scapula result from high-impact accidents, such as being thrown from a motorcycle. Almost nine times out of 10, those with fractures of the scapula also suffer from life-threatening injuries, including rib fractures, lung injuries, head and spinal chord injuries. Sometimes, a blow from a blunt object or a collision of some sort can cause the scapulas to break. Symptoms of a Fracture of the Scapula?
If there is no feeling in the arm, physicians will check for nerve injury in the neck and shoulder regions. Treatment of a Fracture of the Scapula? The goal of treating broken bones is to set them, making them whole again. A broken scapula usually requires a simple arm sling to be worn for about 1-2. Shortly after, patients may be able to begin mild exercises for the scapula and shoulder joint. With more severe fractures of the scapula, surgery is sometimes needed. As in the case of any suspected fracture, seek medical care as soon as possible. Many tissues quickly lose their elasticity and must be promptly treated in order to assure maximum healing. Immediately after injury, use blankets to decrease the possibility of shock. Cut away clothing, if possible, but do not move the injured limb to do so. Your doctor will examine the fracture site for neurovascular damage and take x-rays of the injured area, including the joints above and below the primary injury site. He or she will ask for details about how the injury occurred, and will need to know about previous conditions of the fractured bone. Healing is considered complete when there is no motion or pain at the fracture site and x-rays reveal complete bone union. The information provided herein is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting a licensed physician. © 2000 DynoMed.com, LLC, Indianapolis, IN |