Abstract
The shoulder girdle is a common vernacular for referencing a complex musculoskeletal arrangement which allows for coordinated function of the humerus, clavicle, scapula, and thorax. Shoulder girdle injuries cross a large spectrum ranging from sterno- and acromioclavicular disruptions, to complex fractures, to muscular tears. In the context of chest wall injuries, particularly multi-segment rib fractures occurring in high-energy mechanisms, ipsilateral injuries to the shoulder girdle are common. This chapter will describe the diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of associated injuries to the clavicle and scapula.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Goss TP. Double disruptions of the superior shoulder suspensory complex. J Orthop Trauma. 1993;7(2):99–106.
Thompson DA, Flynn TC, Miller PW, Fischer RP. The significance of scapular fractures. J Trauma. 1985;25(10):974–7.
McGahan JP, Rab GT, Dublin A. Fractures of the scapula. J Trauma. 1980;20(10):880–3.
Veysi VT, Mittal R, Agarwal S, Dosani A, Giannoudis PV. Multiple trauma and scapula fractures: so what? J Trauma. 2003;55(6):1145–7.
Stephens NG, Morgan AS, Corvo P, Bernstein BA. Significance of scapular fracture in the blunt-trauma patient. Ann Emerg Med. 1995;26(4):439–42.
Baldwin KD, Ohman-Strickland P, Mehta S, Hume E. Scapula fractures: a marker for concomitant injury? A retrospective review of data in the national trauma database. J Trauma. 2008;65(2):430–5.
Hippocrates. On the articulations. The genuine works of Hippocrates. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2002;400(July):19–25. doi:10.1097/00007611-192206000-00025.
Robinson CM. Fractures of the clavicle in the adult. Epidemiology and classification. J Bone Joint Surg Br Vol. 1998;80(3):476–84.
Postacchini F, Gumina S, De Santis P, Albo F. Epidemiology of clavicle fractures. J Shoulder Elb Surg. 2002;11(5):452–6.
Liu GD, Tong SL, Ou S, et al. Operative versus non-operative treatment for clavicle fracture: a meta-analysis. Int Orthop. 2013;37(8):1495–500.
Gardner E. The embryology of the clavicle. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1968;58:9–16.
McGraw MA, Mehlman CT, Lindsell CJ, Kirby CL. Postnatal growth of the clavicle: birth to 18 years of age. J Pediatr Orthop. 2009;29(8):937–43.
Inman VT, Saunders JB. Observations on the function of the clavicle. Calif Med. 1946;65(4):158–66.
Andermahr J, Ring D, Jupiter JB. Fractures and dislocations of the clavicle. In: Browner BD, Jupiter JB, Krettek C, Anderson P, editors. Skeletal trauma: basic science, management, and reconstruction. 5th ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier/Saunders. 2015;1499–1518.
Renfree KJ, Riley MK, Wheeler D, Hentz JG, Wright TW. Ligamentous anatomy of the distal clavicle. J Shoulder Elb. 2003;12(4):355–9.
Rios CG, Arciero RA, Mazzocca AD. Anatomy of the clavicle and coracoid process for reconstruction of the coracoclavicular ligaments. Am J Sports Med. 2007;35(5):811–7.
Moseley HF. The clavicle: its anatomy and function. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1968;58:17–27.
Fischer E. Tubercles for muscular and ligament fixation of the clavicle; a contribution to normal roentgenological anatomy. Fortschr Geb Rontgenstr Nuklearmed. 1958;88(1):71–5.
Hoppenfeld S, deBoer P, Buckley R. Surgical exposures in orthopaedics: the anatomic approach. 4th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2009. p. 2–3.
Sinha A, Edwin J, Sreeharsha B, Bhalaik V, Brownson P. A radiological study to define safe zones for drilling during plating of clavicle fractures. J Bone Joint Surg (Br). 2011;93(9):1247–52. doi:10.1302/0301-620X.93B9.25739.
Banerjee R, Waterman B, Padalecki J, Robertson W. Management of distal clavicle fractures. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2011;19(7):392–401.
Williams GR, Nguyen VD, Rockwood CA. Classification and radiographic analysis of acromioclavicular dislocations. Appl Radiol. 1989;18:29–34.
Andersen K, Jensen PO, Lauritzen J. Treatment of clavicular fractures. Figure-of-eight bandage versus a simple sling. Acta Orthop Scand. 1987;58(1):71–4.
Plocher EK, Anavian J, Vang S, Cole PA. Progressive displacement of clavicular fractures in the early postinjury period. J Trauma. 2011;70(5):1263–7.
Altamimi SA, McKee MD. Nonoperative treatment compared with plate fixation of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures. Surgical technique. J Bone Joint Surg Am Vol. 2008;90(Suppl 2 Pt 1):1–8.
Canadian Orthopaedic Trauma Society. Nonoperative treatment compared with plate fixation of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures. A multicenter, randomized clinical trial. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2007;89(1):1–10. doi:10.2106/JBJS.F.00020.
Murray IR, Foster CJ, Eros A, Robinson CM. Risk factors for nonunion after nonoperative treatment of displaced midshaft fractures of the clavicle. J Bone Joint Surg Am Vol. 2013;95(13):1153–8.
McKee RC, Whelan DB, Schemitsch EH, McKee MD. Operative versus nonoperative care of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2012;94(8):675–84.
Robinson CM, Goudie EB, Murray IR, et al. Open reduction and plate fixation versus nonoperative treatment for displaced midshaft clavicular fractures: a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial. J Bone Joint Surg Am Vol. 2013;95(17):1576–84.
Pearson AM, Tosteson AN, Koval KJ, et al. Is surgery for displaced, midshaft clavicle fractures in adults cost-effective? Results based on a multicenter randomized, controlled trial. J Orthop Trauma. 2010;24(7):426–33.
Taylor PR, Day RE, Nicholls RL, Rasmussen J, Yates PJ, Stoffel KK. The comminuted midshaft clavicle fracture: a biomechanical evaluation of plating methods. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon). 2011;26(5):491–6.
Coupe BD, Wimhurst JA, Indar R, Calder DA, Patel AD. A new approach for plate fixation of midshaft clavicular fractures. Injury. 2005;36(10):1166–71.
Collinge C, Devinney S, Herscovici D, DiPasquale T, Sanders R. Anterior-inferior plate fixation of middle-third fractures and nonunions of the clavicle. J Orthop Trauma. 2006;20(10):680–6.
Smekal V, Irenberger A, Struve P, Wambacher M, Krappinger D, Kralinger FS. Elastic stable intramedullary nailing versus nonoperative treatment of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures-a randomized, controlled, clinical trial. J Orthop Trauma. 2009;23(2):106–12.
Marlow WJ, Ralte P, Morapudi SP, Bassi R, Fischer J, Waseem M. Intramedullary fixation of diaphyseal clavicle fractures using the rockwood clavicle pin: review of 86 cases. Open Orthop J. 2012;6:482–7.
Mudd CD, Quigley KJ, Gross LB. Excessive complications of open intramedullary nailing of midshaft clavicle fractures with the Rockwood Clavicle Pin. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2011;469(12):3364–70.
Strauss EJ, Egol KA, France MA, Koval KJ, Zuckerman JD. Complications of intramedullary Hagie pin fixation for acute midshaft clavicle fractures. J Shoulder Elb Surg. 2007;16(3):280–4.
Boehme D, Curtis Jr RJ, DeHaan JT, Kay SP, Young DC, Rockwood Jr CA. The treatment of nonunion fractures of the midshaft of the clavicle with an intramedullary Hagie pin and autogenous bone graft. Instr Course Lect. 1993;42:283–90.
Connolly JF. Non-union of fractures of the mid-shaft of the clavicle. Treatment with a modified Hagie intramedullary pin and autogenous bone-grafting. J Bone Joint Surg Am Vol. 1992;74(9):1430–1.
Boehme D, Curtis Jr RJ, DeHaan JT, Kay SP, Young DC, Rockwood Jr CA. Non-union of fractures of the mid-shaft of the clavicle. Treatment with a modified Hagie intramedullary pin and autogenous bone-grafting. J Bone Joint Surg Am Vol. 1991;73(8):1219–26.
Jubel A, Andermahr J, Schiffer G, Rehm KE. Technique of intramedullary osteosynthesis of the clavicle with elastic titanium nails. Unfallchirurg. 2002;105(6):511–6.
Jones LD, Grammatopoulos G, Kambouroglou G. Titanium elastic nails, open reduction internal fixation and non-operative management for middle third clavicle fractures: a comparative study. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2014;24(3):323–9.
Tarng YW, Yang SW, Fang YP, Hsu CJ. Surgical management of uncomplicated midshaft clavicle fractures: a comparison between titanium elastic nails and small reconstruction plates. J Shoulder Elb Surg. 2012;21(6):732–40.
Rieser GR, Edwards K, Gould GC, Markert RJ, Goswami T, Rubino LJ. Distal-third clavicle fracture fixation: a biomechanical evaluation of fixation. J Shoulder Elb Surg. 2013;22(6):848–55.
Yang SW, Lin LC, Chang SJ, Kuo SM, Hwang LC. Treatment of acute unstable distal clavicle fractures with single coracoclavicular suture fixation. Orthopedics. 2011;34(6):172.
Chen CY, Yang SW, Lin KY, et al. Comparison of single coracoclavicular suture fixation and hook plate for the treatment of acute unstable distal clavicle fractures. J Orthop Surg Res. 2014;9:42.
Schmittinger K, Sikorski A. Experiences with the Balser plate in dislocations of the acromioclavicular joint and lateral fractures of the clavicle. Aktuelle Traumatol. 1983;13(5):190–3.
Nadarajah R, Mahaluxmivala J, Amin A, Goodier DW. Clavicular hook-plate: complications of retaining the implant. Injury. 2005;36(5):681–3.
Glass ER, Thompson JD, Cole PA, Gause 2nd TM, Altman GT. Treatment of sternoclavicular joint dislocations: a systematic review of 251 dislocations in 24 case series. J Trauma. 2011;70(5):1294–8.
Thut D, Hergan D, Dukas A, Day M, Sherman OH. Sternoclavicular joint reconstruction–a systematic review. Bull NYU Hosp Joint Dis. 2011;69(2):128–35.
Groh GI, Wirth MA. Management of traumatic sternoclavicular joint injuries. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2011;19(1):1–7.
Groh GI, Wirth MA, Rockwood Jr CA. Treatment of traumatic posterior sternoclavicular dislocations. J Shoulder Elb Surg. 2011;20(1):107–13.
Rockwood Jr CA, Groh GI, Wirth MA, Grassi FA. Resection arthroplasty of the sternoclavicular joint. J Bone Joint Surg Am Vol. 1997;79(3):387–93.
Bartonicek J, Cronier P. History of the treatment of scapula fractures. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2010;130(1):83–92.
Ideberg R, Grevsten S, Larsson S. Epidemiology of scapular fractures. Incidence and classification of 338 fractures. Acta Orthop Scand. 1995;66(5):395–7.
Sudkamp NP, Jaeger N, Bornebusch L, Maier D, Izadpanah K. Fractures of the scapula. Acta Chir Orthop Traumatol Cech. 2011;78(4):297–304.
Sammarco VJ. Os acromiale: frequency, anatomy, and clinical implications. J Bone Joint Surg Am Vol. 2000;82(3):394–400.
Ogawa K, Yoshida A, Takahashi M, Ui M. Fractures of the coracoid process. J Bone Joint Surg Br Vol. 1997;79(1):17–9.
Eyres KS, Brooks A, Stanley D. Fractures of the coracoid process. J Bone Joint Surg Br Vol. 1995;77(3):425–8.
Ogawa K, Naniwa T. Fractures of the acromion and the lateral scapular spine. J Shoulder Elb Surg. 1997;6(6):544–8.
Kuhn JE, Blasier RB, Carpenter JE. Fractures of the acromion process: a proposed classification system. J Orthop Trauma. 1994;8(1):6–13.
Mayo KA, Benirschke SK, Mast JW. Displaced fractures of the glenoid fossa. Results of open reduction and internal fixation. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1998;347:122–30.
Jaeger M, Lambert S, Sudkamp NP, et al. The AO foundation and orthopaedic trauma association (AO/OTA) scapula fracture classification system: focus on glenoid fossa involvement. J Shoulder Elb Surg. 2013;22(4):512–20.
Cole PA, Gauger EM, Schroder LK. Management of scapular fractures. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2012;20(3):130–41.
Anavian J, Conflitti JM, Khanna G, Guthrie ST, Cole PA. A reliable radiographic measurement technique for extra-articular scapular fractures. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2011;469(12):3371–8.
Armstrong CP, Van der Spuy J. The fractured scapula: importance and management based on a series of 62 patients. Injury. 1984;15(5):324–9.
Ada JR, Miller ME. Scapular fractures. Analysis of 113 cases. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1991;269:174–80.
Nordqvist A, Petersson C. Fracture of the body, neck, or spine of the scapula. A long-term follow-up study. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1992;283:139–44.
Bauer G, Fleischmann W, Dussler E. Displaced scapular fractures: indication and long-term results of open reduction and internal fixation. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 1995;114(4):215–9.
Romero J, Schai P, Imhoff AB. Scapular neck fracture–the influence of permanent malalignment of the glenoid neck on clinical outcome. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2001;121(6):313–6.
Cole PA, Gauger EM, Herrera DA, Anavian J, Tarkin IS. Radiographic follow-up of 84 operatively treated scapula neck and body fractures. Injury. 2012;43(3):327–33.
Anavian J, Khanna G, Plocher EK, Wijdicks CA, Cole PA. Progressive displacement of scapula fractures. J Trauma. 2010;69(1):156–61.
Hill BW, Anavian J, Jacobson AR, Cole PA. Surgical management of isolated acromion fractures: technical tricks and clinical experience. J Orthop Trauma. 2014;28(5):e107–13.
Mulawka B, Jacobson AR, Schroder LK, Cole PA. Triple and quadruple disruptions of the superior shoulder suspensory complex. J Orthop Trauma. 2014. doi:10.1097/BOT.0000000000000275
Hill BW, Jacobson AR, Anavian J, Cole PA. Surgical management of coracoid fractures: technical tricks and clinical experience. J Orthop Trauma. 2014;28(5):e114–22.
Jones CB, Cornelius JP, Sietsema DL, Ringler JR, Endres TJ. Modified Judet approach and minifragment fixation of scapular body and glenoid neck fractures. J Orthop Trauma. 2009;23(8):558–64. doi:10.1097/BOT.0b013e3181a18216.
Cole PA, Freeman G, Dubin JR. Scapula fractures. Curr Rev Musculoskeletal Med. 2013;6(1):79–87.
Cole PDJM. Shoulder girdle injuries. In: Stannard JP, editor. Surgical treatment of orthopaedic trauma. New York: Thieme; 2009. p. 207–37.
Acknowledgment
The authors acknowledge Amir Rizkala, M.D., for the assistance in selecting and preparing the images for this chapter.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2015 Springer International Publishing Switzerland
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Cole, P.A., Graves, S.C., Schroder, L.K. (2015). Management of Associated Injuries (Clavicle and Scapula). In: McKee, M., Schemitsch, E. (eds) Injuries to the Chest Wall. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-18624-5_15
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-18624-5_15
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-18623-8
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-18624-5
eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)