Fractures of the Shoulder Blade (Scapula)

December 12, 2011

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Shoulder

Shoulder Blade (Scapula) Fractures

Triangular, mobile, and protected by a complex system of surrounding muscles, the shoulder blade (scapula) is rarely broken. Scapula fractures represent less than 1% of all broken bones.

Cause
High-energy, blunt trauma, such as that experienced in a motorcycle or motor vehicle collision or falling from significant height, can fracture the scapula and cause other major injuries, including broken ribs or damage to the head, lungs, or spinal cord.

Symptoms

Extreme pain when you move the arm.
Swelling around the back of the shoulder.
Skin abrasions.

Without treatment, a fractured scapula can result in chronic shoulder pain and disability.

More information.

Source from AAOS , Viewmedica , WebMD

Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic and Spine Hospital – Arlington is a hospital in which physicians have an ownership or an investment interest. The list of physician owners or investors is available upon request. We are fully licensed by the state of Texas and Medicare certified. Our facility is also accredited by The Joint Commission. We are an affiliate of United Surgical Partners International, and partnered with local physicians. Physicians are members of the medical staff and are neither employees nor agents of Baylor Scott & White – Arlington, United Surgical Partners International, Baylor Scott & White Health, or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates.