Multiple Trauma and Scapula Fractures: So What?

Abstract

Patients with scapula fractures have more severe underlying chest injuries and overall ISS. However, this did not correlate with a higher rate of intensive therapy unit admission, length of hospital stay, or mortality.

Scapular fracture: lower severity and mortality

“…female ratio seen in this study parallels previous reports and reflects male predominance in traumatic events. 4,5 Scapular fractures were detected in 0.48% of our patients and comprised 0.8% of all limb fractures, which was consistent with previous reports. 1,2 In reports by Veysi et al 5 and Weening et al…”

“…1,4,5,10 As in the previous reports, 1,5,6,10 motor vehicle collisions and falls were the overwhelming causes of injury among our patients, accounting for 73.2% and 17.1%, respectively. Our results revealed that pedestrians made up a considerable number of the RTA victims with scapular fractures (46.7%), along with other regularly appearing figures in traffic accidents (motorcyclist, bicyclists, etc).…”

“…[7][8][9] Stephens et al 10 reported that scapular fractures are not a signifi cant marker for greater general or eurovascular morbidity among blunt-trauma patients. Veysi 5 reported that patients with scapular fractures have more severe underlying chest injuries and worse overall injury severity score (ISS) but that this did not correlate with a higher rate of intensive therapy before admission, duration of hospitalization, or mortality.…”

“…Associated injury has been reported in 35% to 98% of patients with scapular fractures. [1][2][3]5 On the other hand, there are a few case reports of SF related to indirect trauma with less violent causes. [7][8][9] Stephens et al 10 reported that scapular fractures are not a signifi cant marker for greater general or eurovascular morbidity among blunt-trauma patients.…”

“…[2][3][4] The most common area of the scapula to be fractured is the body. 1,5 Motor vehicle accidents are the main cause of scapular fractures, accounting for more than 50% of the cases. 3,5,6 Significant force is required to fracture the scapula; thus, the presence of scapular fractures is believed to be associated with high rates of other injuries and accompanying morbidities.…”