Treatment of Scapula Fractures of the Inferior Angle Causing Pseudowinging Scapula / 대한정형외과학회잡지

ABSTRACT

Nonoperative treatment of scapular body fractures has shown good clinical results. Although scapula fractures of the inferior angle, particularly with oblique lines from the medial proximal to lateral distally, are very rare, we believe that such a fracture pattern would be regarded as an avulsion fracture of the serratus anterior muscle requiring surgery. We have experienced three cases demonstrating pseudowinging of the scapula due to displacement of the inferior angle fracture of the scapula. Surgical repair or plating showed satisfactory clinical results. Through these cases, we describe the cause of winging scapula and the problems resulting from an avulsion fracture of the serratus anterior muscle with a review of the relevant literature and explain the reason that an operation is needed for this fracture pattern.