When it does, it is an indication that the individual was subjected to a considerable amount of force and that severe chest trauma may be present.

The injuries that usually accompany scapular fracture generally have the greatest impact on the patient's outcome.

[3] The scapula is fractured as the result of significant blunt trauma, as occurs in vehicle collisions.

[2] Scapular fracture can result from electrical shocks and from seizures: muscles pulling in different directions contract powerfully at the same time.

[5] In cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the chest is compressed significantly; scapular fracture may occur as a complication of this technique.

[4] Described based upon anatomic location Described by the Ideberg classification Treatment involves pain medication and immobilization at first; later, physical therapy is used.

[6] Movement exercises are begun within at least a week of the injury; with these, fractures with little or no displacement heal without problems.

[3] Fractures of the scapular body with displacement may heal with malunion, but even this may not interfere with movement of the affected shoulder.

[6] However, displaced fractures in the scapular processes or in the glenoid do interfere with movement in the affected shoulder if they are not realigned properly.

[4] The forces involved in scapular fracture can also cause tracheobronchial rupture, a tear in the airways.