Broken shoulder blade

The shoulder blade is a triangular, flat bone that lies on the back of the rib cage. A broken shoulder blade is very rare: less than 1 percent of all fractures are scapular fractures.

How does a fracture of the shoulder blade occur?

Because of the good protection, a serious accident is the cause of the fracture in all cases. This is called a 'high-energy trauma' (HET). This is an accident in which a lot of energy is released due to high speed or force. Examples include a hard collision in a traffic accident or a fall from a height onto the back.

As a result of such a high-energy trauma there is often also (serious) additional damage. Think of broken ribs or vertebrae, head injury or a collapsed lung. This additional damage can be life-threatening. It is therefore important to intervene in time.

Characteristics (symptoms) of a fracture of the shoulder blade

A sharp, stabbing pain immediately after the injury is characteristic of a broken shoulder blade. The pain increases with movements of the arm. After the fracture there may be local swelling and bruising.

How is a fracture of the shoulder blade diagnosed?

Due to the accident, people usually end up in hospital immediately. The examination starts there with X-rays of the shoulder blade and the chest. These images provide more information about the precise location and severity of the fracture. In addition, the additional damage, such as broken ribs or vertebrae, can be assessed well on these X-rays.

Sometimes it is necessary to also perform a CT scan and/or MRI scan. These scans are especially useful to visualise damage to other tissue. Consider nearby muscles, nerves and blood vessels.

Treatment of a fracture of the shoulder blade

The treatment of a broken shoulder blade is often conservative, meaning without surgery. The shoulder is then kept in the same position for 3 to 6 weeks with a sling so that the bone can heal properly again.

A possible reason to operate is when the bone fragments have shifted. During the operation the surgeon will fix the bone fragments together with metal plates and screws.

Almost immediately after the operation, or after the period of rest with a sling, you can start with exercise therapy. Usually the doctor or physiotherapist from the hospital already gives simple exercises to do at home.

Further treatment focuses on improving mobility and regaining muscle strength around the shoulder blade. It is advisable to do this under the guidance of a physiotherapist. They have a lot of knowledge of the exercises and how to build them up.