Operative Treatment of Ipsilateral Fractures of Clavicle and Scapula

The superior shoulder suspensory complex is composed of glenoid fossa, coracoid process, coracoclavicular ligament, distal clavicle, acromioclavicular ligament, acromion. Traumatic double disruptions of this complex lose its suspensory action on the shoulder joint and result in functional loss and deformity. Careful radiologic evaluation and appropriate management are required for injuries to this complex. Ipsilateral fractures of clavicle and scapula create unstable anatomic situation on shoulder joint. Conservative treatment usually fails to achieve good functional recovery due to rotator cuff weakness, nonunion, delayed union, malunion and neurovascular injury. Authors studied the result of operative treatment of ipsilateral clavicle and scapular fractures to prevent such complications. Seven cases were treated with open reduction and internal fixations of clavicle alone or clavicle and scapula simultaneously and followed up for nineteen months(twelve months - thirty-eight months). All but one patient showed good or excellent functional result according to the scoring system of Rowe. Poor result was developed in the case which had brain injury. Rigid fixations of clavicle alone or clavicle and scapular fractures both can achieve stable reduction of the fractures and prevent sequelae. We concluded that operative treatment of ipsilateral fractures of clavicle and scapula is safe and yields predictable good results.