scholarly journals Isolated, neglected, traumatic scapular spine fractures: Report of five cases

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-30
Author(s):  
Ulunay Kanatlı ◽  
Tacettin Ayanoglu ◽  
Baybars Ataoğlu ◽  
Mustafa Özer ◽  
Mehmet Çetinkaya
2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (12) ◽  
pp. 2673-2681
Author(s):  
Richard W. Nyffeler ◽  
Bartu Altioklar ◽  
Philipp Bissig

Abstract Purpose Fractures of the acromion and the scapular spine are serious complications after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. They concern about 4 to 5% of the patients and always result in a significant deterioration of shoulder function. Different causes have been taken into consideration, particularly stress or fatigue fractures. The purpose of the present study was to analyse our own cases and to discuss the causes reported in the literature. Methods We reviewed our shoulder arthroplasty registry and the consultation reports of the last ten years. The charts and radiographs of all patients who had a post-operative fracture of the acromion or the scapular spine were carefully examined and the results were compared with those of an age- and gender-matched control group. Results Twelve patients with an average age of 79 years sustained a fracture of the acromion (n = 6) or the scapular spine (n = 6). The time interval between the operation and the fracture averaged 26 months and ranged from three weeks to 70 months. Eight patients (67%) had a trauma. Seven of them reported a fall on the corresponding shoulder and one a heavy blow on the acromion. The four non-traumatic fractures were attributed to poor bone quality. All 12 patients had immediate pain and difficulty to actively elevate the affected arm. The time interval between the fracture and its diagnosis averaged ten weeks (0 to 10 months). At final follow-up, all patients could reach their face and refused further surgery. Two patients rated their result as good, six as acceptable and four as poor. Conclusions Our study cannot support the hypothesis that most acromion and scapular spine fractures after RSA are the result of increased tension in the deltoid or stress fractures. In our series, the majority of the fractures were related to a fall. Implantation of a reverse prosthesis exposes the acromion and makes it more vulnerable to direct trauma. Non-traumatic fractures were associated with poor bone quality.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (9) ◽  
pp. 788-796
Author(s):  
Julia Sußiek ◽  
Philipp A. Michel ◽  
Michael J. Raschke ◽  
Benedikt Schliemann ◽  
J. Christoph Katthagen

Fractures of the scapular spine are relatively rare and can occur without (1) or with (2) association to a reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). To date there are only limited data on the topic. The aim of this scoping review was to identify all available literature and report current treatment concepts. A scoping review was conducted by searching PubMed for relevant studies between 2000 and October 2020. All studies were included which gave detailed descriptions of the treatment strategy. A total of 21 studies with 81 patients were included for the analysis. The mean age over all patients was 62 years (range: 24 to 89 years) and 77% of the patients were female. In 19.8% of cases, the fracture occurred after a traumatic fall from standing height. Eighty-six per cent of the patients had an RSA-associated scapular spine fracture (2). These patients were older compared to group (1) (47 ± 19.6 vs. 76 ± 5.6 years, p = 0.0001) and the majority were female (85%). The majority from group (1) underwent operative treatment with plate fixation. Most patients regained full function and range of motion. RSA-associated fractures (2) were mainly treated non-operatively, with moderate clinical outcome. A high rate of nonunions was reported. Scapular spine fractures without RSA are mainly treated operatively with good clinical results. In association with RSA, scapular spine fractures are mainly treated non-operatively and lead to inferior clinical and radiological results. This scenario seems to be problematic and further research is required to sharpen treatment concepts in this group. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:788-796. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.200153


2019 ◽  
Vol 101-B (6) ◽  
pp. 627-634 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. J. King ◽  
S. S. Dalton ◽  
L. V. Gulotta ◽  
T. W. Wright ◽  
B. S. Schoch

Aims Acromial fractures following reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) have a wide range of incidences in reported case series. This study evaluates their incidence following RSA by systematically reviewing the current literature. Materials and Methods A systematic review using the search terms “reverse shoulder”, “reverse total shoulder”, or “inverted shoulder” was performed using PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases between 1 January 2010 and 31 March 2018. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used. Studies were included if they reported on RSA outcomes and the incidence rate of acromial and/or scapular spine fractures. The rate of these fractures was evaluated for primary RSA, revision RSA, RSA indications, and RSA implant design. Results The review included 90 articles out of 686 identified after exclusions. The incidence rate of acromial and/or scapular spine fractures was 2.8% (253/9048 RSAs). The fracture rate was similar for primary and revision RSA (2.8% vs 2.1%; p = 0.4). Acromial fractures were most common after RSA for inflammatory arthritis (10.9%) and massive rotator cuff tears (3.8%). The incidence was lowest in RSA for post-traumatic arthritis (2.1%) and acute proximal humerus fractures (0%). Lateralized glenosphere design had a significantly higher rate of acromial fractures compared with medial glenosphere designs. Conclusion Based on current English literature, acromial and/or scapular spine fractures occur at a rate of 2.8% after RSA. The incidence is slightly more common after primary compared with revision arthroplasty. Also, higher rates of acromial fractures are reported in RSA performed for inflammatory arthritis and in the lateralized glenoid design. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:627–634.


Injury ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 47 ◽  
pp. S16-S17
Author(s):  
U. Kanatlı ◽  
T. Ayanoğlu ◽  
M.B. Ataoğlu ◽  
M. Özer ◽  
M. Çetinkaya

Author(s):  
J. Christoph Katthagen ◽  
Julia Sußiek ◽  
Andre Frank ◽  
Jens Wermers ◽  
Benedikt Schliemann ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction The number of atraumatic stress fractures of the scapular spine associated with reverse shoulder arthroplasty is increasing. At present, there is no consensus regarding the optimal treatment strategy. Due to the already weakened bone, fractures of the scapular spine require a high fixation stability. Higher fixation strength may be achieved by double plating. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical principles of double plating in comparison to single plating for scapular spine fractures. Methods In this study, eight pairs (n = 16) of human shoulders were randomised pairwise into two groups. After an osteotomy at the level of the spinoglenoid notch, one side of each pair received fracture fixation with a single 3.5 LCP (Locking Compression Plate) plate. The contralateral scapular spine was fixed with a 3.5 LCP and an additional 2.7 LCP plate in 90–90 configuration. The biomechanical test protocol consisted of 700 cycles of dynamic loading and a load-to-failure test with a servohydraulic testing machine. Failure was defined as macroscopic catastrophic failure (screw cut-out, plate breakage). The focus was set on the results of specimens with osteoporotic bone quality. Results In specimens with an osteoporotic bone mineral density (BMD; n = 12), the mean failure load was significantly higher for the double plate group compared to single plating (471 N vs. 328 N; p = 0.029). Analysis of all specimens (n = 16) including four specimens without osteoporotic BMD revealed no significant differences regarding stiffness and failure load (p > 0.05). Conclusion Double plating may provide higher fixation strength in osteoporotic bone in comparison to a single plate alone. This finding is of particular relevance for fixation of scapular spine fractures following reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Level of evidence Controlled laboratory study.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
John H. Cabot ◽  
Khang H. Dang ◽  
Anil K. Dutta

A specific treatment protocol for managing scapular spine fractures does not currently exist. The purpose of our report is to describe this type of injury and detail our treatment management in order to better elucidate this rare pathology. We present a case of a 26-year-old female with an acute scapular spine and base fracture after a motor vehicle collision. Successful treatment of an acute free-floating scapular spine fracture was achieved with open reduction and internal fixation utilizing an elbow plate. Since scapular spine fractures are an unfortunate, rare injury, it may impose difficult challenges to the treating surgeon. With our case report, we hope to contribute to the overall knowledge of scapular spine fractures and offer our experience with a successful and appropriate treatment option in our patient.


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