Shoulder-Blade (Scapula) Contusion

Bruising of skin and underlying tissues caused by a direct blow to the scapula (shoulder blade or wingbone). Contusions cause bleeding from ruptured small capillaries that allow blood to infiltrate muscles, tendons, or other soft tissue.

Body Parts Involved

Tissues surrounding the scapula, including blood vessels, tendons, nerves, covering to the bone (periosteum) and connective tissue between the scapula and the skin.

Causes

Direct blow to the skin, usually from a blunt object.

Signs & Symptoms

• Local swelling-either superficial or deep.
• Pain and tenderness over the injury.
• Feeling of firmness when pressure is exerted on the injured area.
• Discoloration under the skin, beginning with redness and progressing to the characteristic "black and blue" bruise.
• Restricted shoulder-blade motion proportional to the extent of injury.

Treatment

Note:- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.

First Aid

Continuing Care

• Use an ice peck 3 or 4 times a day. Wrap ice chips or cubes in a plastic bag, and wrap the bag in a moist towel. Place it over the injured area
  for 20 minutes at a time.
• After 72 hours, apply heat instead of ice if it feels better. Use heat lamps, hot soaks, hot showers, heating pads, heat liniments, or whirlpool treatments.
• Massage gently and often to provide comfort and decrease swelling.

Medication

• For minor discomfort, you may use:

Acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Topical liniments and ointments.

• Your doctor may prescribe stronger medicine for pain.

Home Diet

Diagnostic Measures

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor for all except minor injuries.
• X-rays of the clavicle, shoulder and scapula to assess total injury to soft tissue and to rule out the possibility of underlying fractures. The total extent of injury may not be apparent for 48 to 72 hours.

Prevention Tips

Wear appropriate protective gear and equipment, such as shoulder pads, during competition or other athletic activity if there is risk of a scapula contusion.