Transfer
- Transfer the patient with a scapular fracture when evaluation or treatment of associated injuries or surgical repair of the fracture is necessary and when neither is available at the initial institution.
Deterrence/Prevention
- Enforcement of traffic safety laws and injury prevention education are the two most productive measures for reducing scapular fractures.
Complications
- After associated injuries are excluded, the most common complication of an isolated scapular fracture is posttraumatic arthritis or bursitis.
Prognosis
- If no significant associated injury exists, the prognosis for complete or near complete recovery is excellent.
Patient Education
- Patient education about the use of sling immobilization, ice, and analgesics is important.
- A critical part of most treatment regimens is early range-of-motion exercises.
- For excellent patient education resources, visit eMedicine's Breaks, Fractures, and Dislocations Center. Also, see eMedicine's patient education articles, Shoulder Dislocation and Broken Collarbone.
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