Forequarter amputation for open scapulothoracic dissociation: A case report and surgical technique

Abstract

Key Clinical Message Scapulothoracic dissociation is a rare upper extremity injury caused by high‐velocity trauma over anterolateral shoulder leading to disruption of scapulothoracic articulation. It is considered as a limb threatening injury. Very few cases of scapulothoracic dissociation have been reported in medical literature. In this article, we report a unique case of open injury involving laterally displaced and comminuted scapula accompanied by redundant acromioclavicular joint, total brachial plexus injury, and complete transection of brachial artery. The patient underwent a forequarter amputation after a failed vascular repair.

Keywords

• amputation
• case report
• fracture
• Scapulothoracic dissociation