Treatment of extra-articular scapular fractures with assistance of 3D reconstruction measurements with Mimics software / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To investigate a 3D method of radiological evaluation of extra-articular scapular fracture and the treatment outcomes.Methods:A total of 19 patients with extra-articular scapular fracture were operatively treated and completely followed up at Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from January 2014 to January 2020. They were 17 males and 2 females with an average age of 41 years (from 24 to 65 years). The medial-lateral displacement, antero-posterior angulation and glenopolar angle were measured on images of 3D reconstruction of the fractured scapulae by Mimics software. 3D reconstructions of the intact scapulae were made as controls in the patients with proximal humerus fracture matched in time and age (17 males and 2 females with an average age of 41 years). Operations were carried out via the modified Judet approach in the experimental group. The treatment outcomes in the experimental group were evaluated by the Constant-Murley absolute value scoring at 6 months after operation.Results:All the patients in the experimental group obtained a mean follow-up of 48 months (from 11 to 73 months). All fractures in the experimental group acquired anatomical reduction and fixation intraoperatively and bony union within 6 months after operation. In the experimental group, the medial-lateral displacement averaged 17.9 mm and the antero-posterior angulation 26.9° before operation while the anteflexion lifting angle 162.2°, the lateral external rotation 41.6°, and the Constant-Murley absolute value scores 93.2 points at 6 months after operation. Pre-operatively, the glenopolar angles were 34.4°±6.3° and 40.6°±6.6° for the experimental and control groups respectively, showing a significant difference between the 2 groups ( P<0.05). At 6 months after operation, the glenopolar angle was 38.4°±5.0° for the experimental group, showing a significant difference between pre- and post-operation ( P<0.05). Conclusions:3D reconstruction measurements with Mimics software help accurate characterization of extra-articular scapular fracture and evaluation of surgical indications. Open reduction and internal fixation of scapular fractures via the modified Judet approach may promise a satisfactory union rate and functional outcomes.