Intra-articular scapular fractures: Outcomes after internal fixation.

BACKGROUND: Although operative treatment may offer an appropriate management option for displaced glenoid fractures, there is sparse research assessing post-operative functional outcomes. This study assessed functional outcomes of patients after undergoing open reduction and internal fixation of displaced glenoid fractures.

METHODS: Fifteen patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation for displaced intra-articular fractures between 2005 and 2010. The indication for operative fixation was intra-articular displacement >4 mm. Post-operative functional outcomes were assessed via retrospective chart review. Evaluation included review of pre-operative imaging for fracture type, review of post-operative plain radiographs for fracture healing, Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon Assessment (ASES) scores at last follow-up.

RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 49 months (24-87 months) all patients had radiographic healing. The mean DASH score was 10 (range 0.83-29.17). Mean ASES score was 90 (range 41.7-100). No patients had evidence of hardware failure or infection.

CONCLUSIONS: Open reduction and internal fixation of displaced intra-articular glenoid fractures results in stable fixation and is associated with good functional outcome.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV. Case series.