2023 ARRS ANNUAL MEETING - ABSTRACTS

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E1875. Take These Broken Wings and Learn to Fly Again: A Review of Scapular Fracture Classification and Management
Authors
  1. Benjamin Clifford; University of Tennessee
  2. Andrew Mitchell; University of Tennessee
  3. Trevor Marquand; University of Tennessee
  4. Bhumin Patel; University of Tennessee
Background
Scapular fractures are uncommon fractures that predominantly occur due to high-impact trauma. While many fractures are simple and are able to be managed conservatively with good clinical outcomes, others are associated with comorbid injuries including glenohumeral instability, brachial plexus injuries, and floating shoulder injuries. This educational exhibit will review normal anatomy, optimal radiographic views, radiographic measurements, classifications of intra-articular and extra-articular fractures, common comorbid injuries, and current recommendations for surgery.

Educational Goals / Teaching Points
In this educational exhibit, we will review normal scapular anatomy and function, typical imaging techniques and modalities for assessing scapular fractures, routine imaging measurements used to evaluate scapular fractures, common injury patterns of intra-articular and extra-articular fractures of the scapula, comorbidities associated with scapular fractures such as brachial plexus injury, vascular compromise, floating shoulder, and indications for surgery.

Key Anatomic/Physiologic Issues and Imaging Findings/Techniques
This exhibit will review radiographic views that aide in detection and evaluation of the scapula such as Grashey and Scapula AP views and discuss commonly used classification systems used to characterize scapula fractures. Comorbid pathophysiologic issues such as fracture malunion, glenohumeral instability, floating shoulder, and brachial plexus injury will also be discussed.

Conclusion
Scapula fractures are uncommon fractures that are often overlooked, and can have significant comorbidities if not properly treated. With proper radiologic evaluation, clinical management can be tailored to improve clinical outcomes and reduce associated comorbidities.