Novel technique for a symptomatic subscapularis herniation through a scapular defect

Abstract

Fractures of the scapula are rare and have been reported to account for only 1% of all fractures and 3%-5% of upper extremity fractures. Several studies have reported successful outcomes with non-operative treatment of scapula fractures. Although non-operative treatments are successful in a very high percentage of patients, very few cases of non-union of scapular body fractures have been reported. In our review of the literature, we found two case reports of scapular body fractures developed into non-unions. In both of these cases, open reduction and internal fixation with reconstruction plates and bone graft was successful at eliminating pain and restoring function. This is a case report of a patient with a symptomatic, extra-articular scapular body defect from a non-union that was treated successfully with an acellular dermal extracellular matrix and bone graft using a novel technique

Keywords: Scapular fractures; Mesh repair; Non-union; Bone graft; Acellular dermal extracellular matrix

Core tip: Scapular fracture complicated by non-union requiring surgical intervention is extremely rare and seldom reported in the literature. This study demonstrates successful surgical treatement of a symptomatic scapular body defect using a novel technique that has never been described for this condition.