Arthroscopic Lateral Border Resection in Medialized Scapula Neck Fractures

Scapula neck fractures are rare injuries, leaving several treatment options. Standardized markers for operative treatment are a decreased glenopolar angle ≤22°, lateral border offset (LBO) of the glenoid ≥20 mm, angular deformity ≥45°, or LBO ≥15 mm plus angular deformity ≥35°. If operative treatment is not performed before union, the fracture heals malaligned with possible mechanical complications due to a medialized glenoid and the protruding lateral border. Common operative treatment comprises a corrective osteotomy for the anatomic correction of the malunited fracture, leaving intra-articular pathologies like adhesive capsular stiffness unaddressed. Our presented arthroscopic technique for the treatment of sequelae of scapula neck fractures combines a 270° capsulotomy with arthroscopic resection of a protruding lateral border. With use of this technique, excellent shoulder function can be restored with a minimally invasive procedure. Therefore, arthroscopic treatment could be favorable in selected cases of malunited scapula neck fractures.