ABSTRACT
PURPOSE@#Scapular body fractures have generally been treated with non-surgical methods. This study reports the clinical and radiological outcomes after lateral-posterior internal fixation for treating displaced scapular body fractures.@*MATERIALS AND METHODS@#From March 2007 to May 2017, out of 40 patients who underwent internal fixation for scapular fractures, 13 cases of lateral plate fixation of a scapular body fracture were reviewed retrospectively. Preoperative and postoperative displacement, angulation and glenopolar angle (GPA) were measured. The range of shoulder motion, visual analogue scale (VAS), and disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH), and Constant score were assessed at the last follow-up.@*RESULTS@#The mean follow-up period was 17.7 months (range, 6–45 months). The mean preoperative GPA was 23.3°±3.96° (range, 17.8°–28.1°) and the postoperative GPA was 31.1°±4.75° (range, 22.5°–40.1°). Injury to the suprascapular nerve, nonunion, fracture redisplacement, metallic failure, or infection did not occur. At the last follow-up, the mean range of motion was 150.5°±19.3° in forward flexion, 146.6°±2.34° in lateral abduction, 66.6°±19.1° in external rotation, and 61.6°±18.9° in internal rotation. The VAS, DASH, and Constant scores were 1.7±1.3, 6.2±2.4, and 86±7.9 points, respectively.@*CONCLUSION@#A scapular body fracture with severe displacement, angulation and marked decreased GPA can be stabilized by lateralposterior plate fixation using the appropriate surgical technique with good functional and radiological results.