Functional outcomes of extra-articular scapula fracture fixation with distal humeral Y-type locking plate: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the functional outcomes of the Y-type locking plate with the straight reconstruction locking plate for severe displaced scapular fractures. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of 37 patients with severe displaced scapular body and neck fractures treated between July 2013 and October 2016 at the Hanzhong Central Hospital. Treatment selection was based on the surgeon’s experience and discussion with the patient. Sixteen patients received Y-type locking plates and 21 patients received straight reconstruction locking plates. The primary indexes were the Constant Shoulder Function (CSF) and Disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) scores at 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: There were 32 males and five females. Mean age was 46.0 ± 10.0 years. The cause of injury included car accident, fall, high fall, and bruising. At 3 months, compared with the straight reconstruction locking plate group, the Y-type locking plate group showed higher CSF scores (82.9 ± 3.5 vs. 79.3 ± 4.4, P = 0.01) and lower DASH scores (9.5 ± 2.5 vs. 12.7 ± 3.9, P = 0.008). There were no differences at 6 and 12 months. There were no differences between the two groups regarding intraoperative blood loss (P = 0.65) and operation time (P = 0.634). There were no complications such as plate rupture and screw prolapse during the 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Open reduction using the distal humeral Y-type locking plate can achieve better short-term functional outcomes (3 months) than the straight reconstruction locking plate for severe displaced scapular body and neck fractures, but outcomes are similar at 6 and 12 months. Level of evidence: II-2.