Conservative Management of Ipsilateral Clavicle and Scapula Fractures in Adults: A Retrospective Study

Background Concomitant clavicle and scapula fractures are rare. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and impact of combined clavicle and scapula fractures on treatment and outcomes compared to isolated clavicle fractures. Methods A retrospective cohort analysis of patients treated in a three-year period with clavicle fractures and ipsilateral scapula fracture (range 18–85 years) were selected. In consideration of the demographic characteristics, a control group was selected with an isolated clavicle fracture, comparable in terms of radiographical features (fracture of the middle third). Functional outcomes were assessed using Constant-Murley and Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores, along with shoulder range of motion (ROM) measurements. Results With an accurate retrospective analysis, 201 patients were treated for clavicle fracture in our department, and 144 met the age criteria (101 males/43 females). Focusing on the inclusion criteria, patients with concomitant middle third of clavicle fracture associated with an omolateral non articular scapular fracture were selected, thereby a total of nine patients (6,25%), mean age 53 ± 20.1 years, represent our group of interest. Only three cases involved floating shoulder injuries. Conservative treatment implies the use of a sling or a figure-of-8 bendages for 6 weeks. Outcomes showed a mean Constant-Murley score of 89.22 and DASH score of 3.3, with limited ROM loss. Conclusions The association of clavicle and undisplaced or minimally displaced scapula fractures does not modify significantly the treatment and the outcomes; these fractures seem to