Scapulothoracic Dissociation: A Comprehensive Guide

Scapulothoracic dissociation is a rare and life-threatening injury that can occur as a result of a motor vehicle or motorcycle accident. Learn about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of this serious condition.

 

 

Scapulothoracic dissociation is a rare and life-threatening injury that occurs when the scapula (shoulder blade) is separated from the chest wall. This can happen due to a severe trauma, such as a motor vehicle accident or motorcycle crash.

Causes:

The most common cause of scapulothoracic dissociation is a violent traction and rotation force applied to the shoulder. This can happen in a variety of accidents, including:

  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Motorcycle accidents
  • Falls from heights
  • Industrial accidents
  • Sports injuries

Symptoms:

The symptoms of scapulothoracic dissociation vary depending on the severity of the injury. In some cases, the only symptom may be pain and swelling in the shoulder region. However, in more severe cases, the patient may also experience:

  • A pulseless arm
  • Complete or partial paralysis of the arm
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Shock

Diagnosis:

Scapulothoracic dissociation is typically diagnosed based on a physical exam and medical imaging studies, such as X-rays and CT scans.

Treatment:

The treatment of scapulothoracic dissociation depends on the severity of the injury. In some cases, the patient may only require supportive care, such as pain medication and rest. However, in more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damage to the nerves, blood vessels, and bones.

Prognosis:

The prognosis for scapulothoracic dissociation varies depending on the severity of the injury and the presence of any associated injuries. In general, patients with scapulothoracic dissociation have a poor prognosis, with a high risk of amputation and death.

Intrathoracic Dislocation of the Scapula

Intrathoracic dislocation of the scapula is an extremely rare injury that occurs when the scapula is dislocated into the chest cavity. This can happen due to a severe trauma, such as a motor vehicle accident or motorcycle crash.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of intrathoracic dislocation of the scapula include:

  • Chest pain
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Cyanosis (blueness of the skin)
  • Weakness or paralysis of the arm

Diagnosis:

Intrathoracic dislocation of the scapula is typically diagnosed based on a physical exam and medical imaging studies, such as X-rays and CT scans.

Treatment:

The treatment of intrathoracic dislocation of the scapula is typically surgical. The surgeon will make an incision in the chest and reposition the scapula.

Prognosis:

The prognosis for intrathoracic dislocation of the scapula is good. Most patients make a full recovery.

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Scapulothoracic Dissociation and Intrathoracic Dislocation of the Scapula

Scapulothoracic dissociation is a rare, life-threatening injury that results from a traumatic disruption of the scapula from the posterior chest wall. Associated neurovascular injury is common, and diagnosis includes massive swelling of the shoulder region, a pulseless arm, and complete or partial neurologic deficit. Treatment involves stabilization of associated bone or joint injuries, and advanced trauma life support protocols should be followed. Later treatment includes electromyography, cervical myelography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and shoulder arthrodesis and/or above elbow amputation, if necessary. Scapulothoracic dissociation is associated with a poor outcome, including flail extremity, early amputation, and death.

Intrathoracic dislocation of the scapula is extremely rare. Treatment consists of closed reduction and immobilization with a sling and swathe for 2 weeks, followed by progressive functional use of the shoulder and arm.

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Scapulothoracic Dissociation: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Scapulothoracic dissociation is a rare, life-threatening injury resulting from a violent traction and rotation force, such as in a motor vehicle or motorcycle accident. It involves the traumatic disruption of the scapula from the posterior chest wall, with associated neurovascular injuries. Classification of this injury includes the following types: Musculoskeletal injury alone (Type I), musculoskeletal injury with vascular disruption (Type IIA), musculoskeletal injury with neurologic impairment (Type IIB), and musculoskeletal injury with both neurologic and vascular injury (Type III).

Initial treatment for scapulothoracic dissociation includes stabilizing any associated bone or joint injuries and following advanced trauma life support protocols. Ongoing treatment may involve electromyography, cervical myelography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Depending on the severity of the injury, shoulder arthrodesis and/or above elbow amputation may be necessary if the limb is flail. Unfortunately, this injury is associated with a poor outcome, including flail extremity, early amputation, or death.

Intrathoracic dislocation of the scapula is an even rarer injury, in which the inferior angle of the scapula is locked in the intercostal space. Chest computed tomography may be needed to confirm the diagnosis, and treatment consists of closed reduction and immobilization with a sling and swathe for 2 weeks, followed by progressive functional use of the shoulder and arm.

If you're experiencing symptoms or have been diagnosed with these injuries, understanding your treatment options is critical. Use our in-depth resources at https://hutaif-orthopedic.com/ to learn more about scapulothoracic dissociation and intrathoracic dislocation of the scapula.

Scapulothoracic Dissociation and Intrathoracic Dislocation of the Scapula

Scapulothoracic Dissociation is a rare, life-threatening injury resulting from a traumatic disruption of the scapula from the posterior chest wall caused by violent traction and rotation force, usually from a motor vehicle or motorcycle accident. Neurovascular injury is common, including complete brachial plexopathy, partial plexopathy, subclavian or axillary artery injury. It can be associated with fractures or dislocations of the shoulder or without obvious bone injury. Early treatment involves angiography of the limb with vascular repair and exploration of the brachial plexus, followed by stabilization of associated bone or joint injuries. Later treatment involves electromyography at 3 weeks, cervical myelography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 6 weeks, and shoulder arthrodesis and/or above elbow amputation, if necessary. The prognosis is poor, with flail extremity in 52%, early amputation in 21%, and death in 10%.

Intrathoracic Dislocation of the Scapula is an extremely rare injury where the inferior angle of the scapula is locked in the intercostal space. The diagnosis may require a chest computed tomography. Treatment involves closed reduction and immobilization with a sling and swathe for 2 weeks, followed by progressive functional use of the shoulder and arm.

  • scapulothoracic dissociation
  • shoulder injury
  • brachial plexus injury
  • vascular injury
  • flail extremity