What is a scapula fracture?
The scapula, or shoulder blade, is the bone located in the back of your shoulder between the shoulder and the spine. It is generally easy to feel.
Fractures of the scapula are most often caused by direct trauma from the back or side.
What are the symptoms of a scapula fracture?
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Pain at rest
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Pain when moving the arm
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Swelling
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Severe bruising
What is the treatment for a scapula fracture?
Most fractures of the scapula can be treated without surgery. Treatment involves immobilization with a sling or a shoulder immobilizer, icing and pain medications.
The sling is usually kept for comfort for the first two weeks with subsequent increase of the shoulder’s range of motion. However, there are no restrictions on shoulder motion: mobility, weight-bearing and weight lifting as tolerated.
Fractures that require surgery usually have fracture fragments involving the shoulder joint or an additional fracture of the clavicle. Surgery involves fixation of the fracture fragments with plates and screws
Scapula Fracture (Shoulder Blade) Fractures
The shoulder blade (scapula) is a triangular-shaped bone that is protected by a complex system of surrounding muscles. Scapula fractures represent less than 1% of all broken bones and many of them can be treated without surgery.
High-energy, blunt trauma injuries, such as those experienced in a motorcycle or motor vehicle collision or falling from a significant height, can cause a scapula fracture. Other major injuries often accompany scapular fractures, such as fractures in the shoulder, collarbone and ribs, or damage to the head, lungs, or spinal cord.
One or more parts of the scapula may be fractured.
Scapular body (50% to 60% of patients)
Scapular neck (25% of patients)
Glenoid
Acromion
Coracoid
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of a scapula fracture include:
Extreme pain when you move the arm
Swelling around the back of the shoulder
Scrapes around the affected area.
Doctor Examination
To determine appropriate treatment, your doctor will evaluate the position and posture of your shoulder. Because other injuries are often present with scapula fractures, your doctor will look for additional injuries. He or she will also treat any soft-tissue damage (abrasions, open wounds, and muscular trauma). A detailed physical examination may not be possible if you have other severe injuries.
Your doctor may also order imaging tests of your shoulder and chest to determine the extent of injury to the scapula. X-rays provide clear images of dense structures like bone. Your doctor may also order a computed tomography (CT) scan to provide a more detailed image.
Treatment
Nonsurgical Treatment
Nonsurgical treatment with a simple sling works for most fractures of the scapula. The sling holds your shoulder in place while the bone heals. Your doctor may want you to start moving your shoulder within the first week after the injury to minimize the risk of shoulder and elbow stiffness. The sling is discontinued as your pain improves. Passive stretching exercises should be continued until complete shoulder motion returns. This may take 6 months to 1 year.
Surgical Treatment
Certain types of scapular fractures may need surgery:
Fractures of the glenoid articular surface in which bone has moved out of place (displaced)
Fractures of the neck of the scapula with a lot of angulation
Fractures of the acromion process that cause the arm bone to hit against it (impingement syndrome)
During this operation, the bone fragments are first repositioned (reduced) in their normal alignment, and then held together by attaching metal plates with special screws to the outer surface of the bone.
Pain Management
Pain after an injury or surgery is a natural part of the healing process. Your doctor and nurses will work to reduce your pain, which can help you recover faster.
Medications are often prescribed for short-term pain relief after surgery or an injury. Many types of medicines are available to help manage pain, including opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and local anesthetics. Your doctor may use a combination of these medications to improve pain relief, as well as minimize the need for opioids.
Be aware that although opioids help relieve pain after surgery or an injury, they are a narcotic and can be addictive. Opioid dependency and overdose has become a critical public health issue in the U.S. It is important to use opioids only as directed by your doctor. As soon as your pain begins to improve, stop taking opioids. Talk to your doctor if your pain has not begun to improve within a few days of your treatment
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW