Scapular Fractures in Blunt Chest Trauma â€“ Self-Experience Study

Tabet A. Al-Sadek; Desislav Niklev; Ahmed Al-Sadek; Lina Al-Sadek

doi:10.3889/oamjms.2016.135

Authors

Tabet A. Al-Sadek Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Belhoul European Hospital, Dubai
Desislav Niklev Trakia University, Faculty of Medicine, Stara Zagora
Ahmed Al-Sadek Medical University, Sofia
Lina Al-Sadek Trakia University, Faculty of Medicine, Stara Zagora

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2016.135

Keywords:

fractured scapula, thoracic trauma, associated injuries, rib fractures, pulmonary contusion

Abstract

AIM: The aim of this retrospective study was to report the scapular fractures in patients with blunt chest trauma and to present the type and the frequency of associated thoracic injuries.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Nine patients with fractures of the scapula were included in the study. The mechanisms of the injury, the type of scapular fractures and associated thoracic injuries were analysed.

RESULTS: Scapular fractures were caused by high-energy blunt chest trauma. The body of the scapula was fractured in all scapular fractures. In all cases, scapular fractures were associated with other thoracic injuries (average 3.25/per case). Rib fractures were present in eight patients, fractured clavicula - in four cases, the affection of pleural cavity - in eight of the patients and pulmonary contusion in all nine cases. Eight patients were discharged from the hospital up to the 15th day. One patient had died on the 3rd day because of postconcussional lung oedema.

CONCLUSIONS:The study confirms the role of scapular fractures as a marker for the severity of the chest trauma (based on the number of associated thoracic injuries), but doesnâ€™t present scapular fractures as an indicator for high mortality in blunt chest trauma patients.

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