Floating Shoulder Workup

  • Author: Eric S Gaenslen, MD; Chief Editor: Mary Ann E Keenan, MD   more...
 
Updated: Feb 7, 2012
 

Laboratory Studies

  • Laboratory studies include CBC, basic metabolic profile, and urinalysis.
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Imaging Studies

  • A chest radiograph, cervical spine series, and electrocardiogram often also are indicated based upon the history and physical examination findings.
  • Specific radiographic evaluation of the shoulder injury should include plain radiographs of the clavicle and the shoulder trauma series (true anteroposterior view of the glenohumeral joint, axillary view, and scapular lateral view). If concern exists regarding an intraarticular extension of the scapular neck fracture or if the scapular neck fracture is inadequately depicted on the plain films, a CT scan of the scapula should be obtained.
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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Eric S Gaenslen, MD  Consulting Surgeon, Department of Orthopedics, Advanced Healthcare, SC

Eric S Gaenslen, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Medical Association, and American Society for Surgery of the Hand

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Cato T Laurencin, MD, PhD  Vice President for Health Affairs, Dean of the School of Medicine, Van Dusen Endowed Chair and Professor in Academic Medicine, Distinguished Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, and Chemical, Materials, and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Connecticut School of Medicine

Cato T Laurencin, MD, PhD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

Pekka A Mooar, MD  Professor, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Temple University School of Medicine

Pekka A Mooar, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Dinesh Patel, MD, FACS  Associate Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, Harvard Medical School; Chief of Arthroscopic Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital

Dinesh Patel, MD, FACS is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Mary Ann E Keenan, MD  Professor, Vice Chair for Graduate Medical Education, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine; Chief of Neuro-Orthopedics Program, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

Mary Ann E Keenan, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Association, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, American Society for Surgery of the Hand, and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

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  2. DeFranco MJ, Patterson BM. The floating shoulder. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. Aug 2006;14(8):499-509. [Medline].

  3. van Noort A, van der Werken C. The floating shoulder. Injury. Mar 2006;37(3):218-27. [Medline].

  4. Davidson JJ. Floating shoulder injuries. Duke Orthopaedics presents Wheeles' Textbook of Orhtopaedics. Available at http://www.wheelessonline.com/ortho/floating_shoulder_injuries. Accessed March 31, 2009.

  5. Herscovici D Jr, Fiennes AG, Allgower M, Rucdi TP. The floating shoulder: ipsilateral clavicle and scapular neck fractures. J Bone Joint Surg Br. May 1992;74(3):362-4. [Medline].

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  9. Rowe CR. Evaluation of the shoulder. In: Rowe CR, ed. The Shoulder. NY:. Churchill Livingstone;1988:631-637.

  10. Pokabla C, Hobgood ER, Field LD. Identification and management of "floating" posterior inferior glenohumeral ligament lesions. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. Mar 2010;19(2):314-7. [Medline].

  11. Leung KS, Lam TP. Open reduction and internal fixation of ipsilateral fractures of the scapular neck and clavicle. J Bone Joint Surg Am. Jul 1993;75(7):1015-8. [Medline].

  12. Edwards SG, Whittle AP, Wood GW 2nd, et al. Nonoperative treatment of ipsilateral fractures of the scapula and clavicle. J Bone Joint Surg Am. Jun 2000;82(6):774-80. [Medline].

  13. Ramos L, Mencia R, Alonso A, Ferrandez L. Conservative treatment of ipsilateral fractures of the scapula and clavicle. J Trauma. Feb 1997;42(2):239-42. [Medline].

  14. Rikli D, Regazzoni P, Renner N. The unstable shoulder girdle: early functional treatment utilizing open reduction and internal fixation. J Orthop Trauma. Apr 1995;9(2):93-7. [Medline].

  15. Izadpanah K, Jaeger M, Maier D, Kubosch D, Hammer TO, Südkamp NP. The Floating Shoulder-Clinical and Radiological Results After Intramedullary Stabilization of the Clavicle in Cases With Minor Displacement of the Scapular Neck Fracture. J Trauma. Oct 24 2011;[Medline].

  16. Kim KC, Rhee KJ, Shin HD, Yang JY. Can the glenopolar angle be used to predict outcome and treatment of the floating shoulder?. J Trauma. Jan 2008;64(1):174-8. [Medline].

  17. Reisch B, Fischer J. Rehabilitation of a patient with 'floating shoulder' and associated fractures: A case report. Physiother Theory Pract. Jan 30 2012;[Medline].

  18. Butters KP. The scapula. In: Rockwood CA Jr, Matsen FA, eds. The Shoulder. Vol 1. Philadelphia:. WB Saunders Co;1998:391-427.

  19. Ganz R, Noesberger B. [Treatment of scapular fractures]. Hefte Unfallheilkd. Nov 1975;(126):59-62. [Medline].

 
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