title: Functional Outcomes After Operative Management of Extra-Articular Glenoid Neck and Scapular Body Fractures.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study's purpose was to assess patient-based functional outcomes following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of displaced scapular body and glenoid neck fractures. This series represents a 9-year experience at a level-I trauma center and referral destination for this injury.
  
  
  METHODS
  A database was established to record surgical and functional outcomes of scapular fractures treated with ORIF. For this report, the cases of all patients who had a glenoid neck or scapular body fracture (AO/OTA 14-A3 or 14-C1) without intra-articular involvement were reviewed. Operative indications included medial/lateral displacement of ≥20 mm, angulation of ≥45°, medial/lateral displacement of ≥15 mm with angulation of ≥30°, double disruptions of the superior shoulder suspensory complex with both displaced ≥10 mm, a glenopolar angle of ≤22°, and an open fracture. The results of clinical testing, including measurements of range of motion and strength and scores on the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaires, were recorded at each follow-up appointment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Between 2002 and 2011, 61 patients with an extra-articular scapular fracture were treated surgically within 20 days after the injury; 19 patients (31%) had ≥2 operative indications. Of the 61 patients, 49 (80%) were followed for ≥1 year (mean, 33 months; range, 12 to 138 months) following surgery. There was a 100% union rate at the time of final follow-up, with a mean DASH score of 12.1 points (range, 0 to 54 points). For all parameters, the mean SF-36 scores of the study patients were comparable with normative population scores. The range of motion of the operatively treated and contralateral shoulders averaged, respectively, 154° and 159° of forward flexion, 106° and 108° of abduction, and 66° and 70° of external rotation. The strength of the operatively treated and contralateral shoulders averaged, respectively, 20 and 23 lb (89.0 and 102.3 N) of force in forward flexion, 14 and 16 lb (62.3 and 71.2 N) in abduction, and 19 and 23 lb (84.5 and 102.3 N) in external rotation. Complications and/or secondary surgery were recorded for 8 patients (16%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Displaced scapular body and glenoid neck fractures that meet current published standards for ORIF can be treated operatively with predictably good functional outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
authors.affiliation: Division of Orthopaedic Trauma, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Minnesota, Regions Hospital, St. Paul, Minnesota.
authors.forename: Lisa K
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Schroder
authors.affiliation: Division of Orthopaedic Trauma, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Minnesota, Regions Hospital, St. Paul, Minnesota.
authors.forename: Erich M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Gauger
authors.affiliation: Division of Orthopaedic Trauma, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Minnesota, Regions Hospital, St. Paul, Minnesota.
authors.forename: Jeffrey A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Gilbertson
authors.affiliation: Division of Orthopaedic Trauma, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Minnesota, Regions Hospital, St. Paul, Minnesota Peter.A.Cole@Healthpartners.com.
authors.forename: Peter A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Cole
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods*; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000502:physiology*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012540:Scapula / Q000293:injuries*; D012782:Shoulder / Q000601:surgery*; D000070599:Shoulder Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult