The fractured scapula: importance and management based on a series of 62 patients.

A prospective analysis of 62 patients with 64 fractured scapulas is presented. Most cases are caused by severe injury, especially motor vehicle accidents. Of the total number of patients, 87.1 per cent had other injuries, with thoracic injury being especially common. Six patients died--a mortality rate of 9.7 per cent. The combination of a fracture of the scapula and the underlying first rib appears to be a particularly severe injury. Good results can be obtained with conservative therapy in fractures of the body, spine, coracoid and acromion. Less favourable results follow fractures of the neck and glenoid. In young and fit patients open reduction may be indicated in fractures of the neck and glenoid.