Open AccessSpontaneous scapular spine fracture related to rotator cuff pathology: a report of two cases
Author(s) -
Diederik Groot,
Anouk M. E. Giesberts,
J. B. A. van Mourik
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
strategies in trauma and limb reconstruction/strategies in trauma and limb reconstruction
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.5
H-Index - 24
eISSN - 1828-8936
pISSN - 1828-8928
DOI - 10.1007/s11751-012-0135-6
Subject(s) - medicine , rotator cuff , scapula , conservative treatment , surgery , orthopedic surgery , arthropathy , cuff , rotator cuff injury , shoulder joint , osteoarthritis , pathology , alternative medicine
Spontaneous fractures of the scapula are rare, especially those involving the scapular spine. There are only a few case reports addressing this topic. Two cases are presented of spontaneous scapular spine fractures in patients with cuff-tear arthropathy. Treatment was conservative, resulting in a stiff shoulder in both patients. The combination of oral steroids and cuff-tear arthropathy seems to have caused a spontaneous scapular spine fracture in these patients. Considering the risk of operative intervention in the elderly patient conservative treatment seems a reasonable alternative.