Fractures of the Shoulder Blade (Scapula)

Shoulder Physicians

Video / Brochure

What it is
Triangular, mobile, and protected by a complex system of surrounding muscles, the shoulder blade (scapula) is rarely broken. Scapula fractures represent less than 1% of all broken bones.

Cause
High-energy, blunt trauma, such as that experienced in a motorcycle or motor vehicle collision or falling from significant height, can fracture the scapula and cause other major injuries, including broken ribs or damage to the head, lungs, or spinal cord.

Symptoms
The shoulder is made up of three bones:

Extreme pain when you move the arm.
Swelling around the back of the shoulder.
Skin abrasions.

Without treatment, a fractured scapula can result in chronic shoulder pain and disability.

More information.

Source from AAOS, Viewmedica, WebMD