Trauma Case Reports (Dec 2023)

Acute surgical treatment of entrapped avulsion fractures of the inferior angle of the scapula in adults: Two case reports

  • Georgios Neopoulos,
  • Heath Byron Henninger,
  • Thomas Suter

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 48
p. 100972

Abstract

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Inferior angle of scapula fractures are rare, and can lead to pain and impaired shoulder function. This report details the cases of two adult patients with inferior angle of scapula fractures who underwent acute surgical reduction and suture repair. In both patients, the avulsed fragment was dislocated and entrapped in the scapulothoracic joint resulting in noticeable crepitations and disturbed scapulothoracic rhythm during active range of motion. After surgery, both patients achieved significant improvements in shoulder function, enabling them to resume their daily activities without limitations. Fracture healing was uneventful in both cases. While the optimal treatment strategy for acute inferior angle of scapula fractures is still debated, early surgical intervention with suture fixation may offer favorable outcomes for patients with displaced fractures entrapped in the scapulothoracic joint, presenting with crepitus and disrupted scapulothoracic rhythm. Further research is needed to establish evidence-based guidelines for managing these rare fractures.

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