title: Spontaneous scapular spine fracture related to rotator cuff pathology: a report of two cases.
abstract: Spontaneous fractures of the scapula are rare, especially those involving the scapular spine. There are only a few case reports addressing this topic. Two cases are presented of spontaneous scapular spine fractures in patients with cuff-tear arthropathy. Treatment was conservative, resulting in a stiff shoulder in both patients. The combination of oral steroids and cuff-tear arthropathy seems to have caused a spontaneous scapular spine fracture in these patients. Considering the risk of operative intervention in the elderly patient conservative treatment seems a reasonable alternative.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, MCA Hospital Alkmaar, Wilhelminalaan 12, 1815 JD, Alkmaar, The Netherlands, diederikgroot@yahoo.co.uk.
authors.forename: Diederik
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Groot
authors.forename: Anouk M E
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Giesberts
authors.forename: Jan B A
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: van Mourik