Scapula (Shoulder Blade) Fractures

Causes

• Vehicular accidents that involve high energy traumas
• A fall on the shoulder
• Direct hit with a blunt object
• Trying to prevent a fall by stretching out the arm may damage the shoulder blade

Symptoms

• Severe pain while moving the arm or upper body
• Swelling and tenderness in the thoracic region
• Bruising and discoloration
• Open wounds may be present
• Crepitus, i.e. the sensation of bones grinding against each other
• Limited range of motion

Diagnosis

• Detailed clinical evaluation of the injured shoulder
• The orthopedic doctor may look for any additional injuries
• CT scan or MRI may be required for a detailed view of the soft tissue structures and scapula
• Nerve conduction test may be carried out to check for impulses in the arms and hands. This can help to rule out damage to the blood vessels

Treatment

• Most scapula fractures can be treated with conservative methods and surgery is rarely needed.
• Use of a shoulder sling to keep the joint in place as well as to allow the bones and soft tissues to heal completely.
• Passive stretching exercises may be recommended to regain mobility and reduce stiffness post immobilization
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines may be prescribed to relieve pain
• In case a part of the bone is displaced during the injury, surgical reduction may be required. The repositioned bones are held in place using metal screws and plates
• It may take about 6 months or a year for the fracture to heal and the joint function to be restored completely. Regular physical therapy sessions may speed up the recovery.