Shoulder-Blade (Scapula) Fracture, Neck

A complete or incomplete break in the neck of the scapula (shoulder blade). This injury results in marked displacement of the broken bone.

Body Parts Involved

• Scapula.
• Shoulder joint.
• Soft tissue around the fracture site, including nerves, tendons, ligaments, joint membranes and blood vessels.

Causes

• Direct blow or indirect stress on the bone. Indirect stress may be caused by twisting or 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 in the arm and hand (sometimes).
• Cold arm and hand if the blood supply is impaired.

Treatment

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

First Aid

• Keep the person warm with blankets to decrease the possibility of shock.
• Cut away clothing, if possible, but don't move the injured area to do so.
• Use instructions for R.I.C.E., the first letters of rest, ice, compression and elevation.

Continuing Care

• The doctor will set the broken bones with surgery or, if possible, without. Manipulation one 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.
• Immobilization will be necessary. A rigid cast placed around the injured area is the most common technique. Skeletal traction is sometimes necessary.
• After traction or surgery,use a triangular sling for 2 weeks and begin progressive shoulder exercises on a regular schedule (5 to 10 minutes every waking hour).
• After immobilization, 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.
• Apply heat instead of ice, if it feels better. Use heat lamps, hot soaks, hot showers, heating pads, or heat liniments or ointments.

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 exam by a doctor.

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.