Shoulder-Blade (Scapula) Fracture, Acromion

A complete or incomplete break of the acromion (the part of the shoulder blade that projects over the shoulder joint and forms the highest point of the shoulder).

Body Parts Involved

• Acromion.
• Shoulder joint.
• Soft tissue around the fracture site, including nerves, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels.
• Ribs. Broken ribs frequently accompany any scapula fracture.

Causes

• Direct injury caused by an upward blow occurring at the same time as a shoulder dislocation. This can result in a major injury requiring surgery for repair.
• Indirect stress caused by twisting or by a violent muscle contraction.

Signs & Symptoms

• Severe pain at the fracture site.
• Swelling of soft tissue around the fracture.
• Visible deformity if the fracture is complete and bone fragments separate enough to distort normal body contours.
• Tenderness to the touch.
• Numbness and coldness in the arm If the blood supply is impaired.

Treatment

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

First Aid

• Keep person warm with blankets to the possibility of shock.
• Cut away clothing, if possible, but don't move the injured area to do so.
• Follow instructions for R.I.C.E., the first letters of rest, ice, compression and elevation.
• The doctor will set the broken bones with surgery or, if possible, without. Manipulation should be done as soon as possible after injury. Six or more hours after the fracture, bleeding and displacement of body fluids may lead to shock. Also, many tissues lose their elasticity and become difficult to return to a normal position.

Continuing Care

• Immobilization will be necessary. A firm bandage plus suspension of the
  usually supplies satisfactory immobilization. Casts are rarely used for this injury.
• Use frequent ice massage. Fill a large styrofoam cup with water and freeze. Tear a small amount of foam from the top so ice protrudes. Massage firmly over the injured area in a circle about the size of a baseball. Do this for 15 minutes at a time, 3 or 4 times a day, and before workouts or competition.
• After 48 hours, localized heat promotes healing by increasing blood circulation in the injured area. Use hot baths, showers, compresses, heat lamps, heating pads, heat ointments, or liniments and whirlpools.

Medication

Your doctor may prescribe:

• General anesthesia, local anesthesia, or muscle relaxants to make bone manipulation and fixation of bone fragments possible.
• Narcotic or synthetic narcotic pain relievers for severe pain.
• Stool softeners to prevent constipation due to inactivity.
• Acetaminophen (available without prescription) for mild pain after initial treatment.

Home Diet

Diagnostic Measures

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• X-rays of injured areas.

Prevention Tips

• Build your strength with a good conditioning program before beginning regular athletic practice or competition. Increased muscle mass helps protect bones and underlying tissue.
• Use appropriate protective equipment, such as shoulder pads for contact sports.