title: Fractures of the Scapula.
abstract: Scapular fractures require a significant amount of force to occur. These fractures are usually associated with major concomitant injuries and sometimes death. One should have a high index of suspicion in any patient who sustains a high-energy mechanism of injury involving the upper posterior chest. Scapular fractures are one of the most difficult fractures to diagnose on radiographs. Three-dimensional computed tomographic scans are considered the gold standard for scapular diagnoses. Treatment strategies vary for fractures of the scapula, but the site and degree of displacement will determine whether surgical intervention should be considered. Complications can occur in fractures that are undiagnosed or improperly evaluated.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing & Health Sciences, Robert Morris University, Moon Township, Pennsylvania (Dr Ramponi); Heritage Valley Health System, Sewickley, Pennsylvania (Dr Ramponi); Department of Nursing, Edinboro University, Edinboro, Pennsylvania (Dr White); and Emergency Department and Occupational Medicine Department, St. Vincent's Health System, Erie, Pennsylvania (Dr White).
authors.forename: Denise
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ramponi
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: White
mesh_terms: D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography; D012540:Scapula / Q000293:injuries*