Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Scapula Fractures in a Geriatric Series

The purpose of this small descriptive series was to report patient and injury characteristics, as well as, surgical and functional outcomes in patients aged 70 years or older, with operative scapular fracture. A retrospective review of 214 scapula fractures identified 6 consecutive geriatric patients aged 70 years or older and formed the basis for this study. Outcomes reported include surgical complications; disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH); range of motion (ROM); and strength assessment at the 6-month postoperative interval and final follow-up. All patients were community ambulators and 5 of the 6 patients routinely performed recreational activities that required shoulder strength and/or motion. Outcomes were attained on all patients at greater than 1 year with a mean of 23.2 months. There were no surgical complications and all fractures united. The mean ROM expressed as a percentage of contralateral ROM ranged from 82% to 100% at both 6-month and final follow-up. The mean strength expressed as a percentage of contralateral strength ranged from 63% to 82% at the 6-month follow-up and 94% to 100% at the final follow-up. The mean DASH score was 12.3 at final follow-up. Our conclusion is that operative treatment for displaced scapula fractures appears to be safe and can yield good functional results in patients aged 70 years and older.