Trends in scapular fractures: a nationwide 17-year study in Finland

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the trends in the number and incidence of scapular fractures causing hospitalization in the Finnish adult population between 1998 and 2014. METHODS: We assessed the number and incidence of scapular fractures resulting in hospital admission and fixation with a plate in Finland in 1998 through 2014 using the Finnish National Hospital Discharge Register as the database. In each year, the study included the entire Finnish adult population. RESULTS: A total of 3843 adult patients with scapular fractures were hospitalized, and the incidence of fracture increased from 4.8 (per 100,000 person-years) in 1998 to 6.6 in 2014. The fracture was operated on with plating in 476 cases (12.4%). The annual number and incidence of scapular fixation with plates did not show constant trend changes during the study period except in the years 2011 through 2013, when there was a sudden increase in the number of these operations. This increase leveled off in 2014. CONCLUSION: The incidence of hospital-treated scapular fractures increased in Finland in 1998 through 2014. Treatment of scapular fractures with a plate did not show consistent trend changes in Finland during this period.