Multiple trauma and scapula fractures: So what?

Background Scapula fractures are rare and are presumed to indicate severe underlying trauma. We studied injury patterns and overall outcome in patients with multiple injuries with scapula fractures. Methods. We carried out a retrospective review of patients with multiple injuries (Injury Severity Score [ISS] greater than or equal to 16) with chest and musculoskeletal injuries admitted to our institution between 1993 and 1999 to investigate whether the presence of a scapula fracture is a marker of increased morbidity and mortality. Results. There were 1,164 patients admitted with multiple trauma. Seventy-nine (6.8%) of the 1,164 sustained a scapula fracture, forming the study group. The remainder of the patients (n = 1,085) formed the control group of the study. Both groups of patients were similar with regard to age and Glasgow Coma Scale score (age, 42 +/- 17.8 [ SDI vs. 40 +/- 22; GCS score, 11.2 +/- 5.1 vs. 11 +/- 5 in the study and control groups, respectively). The overall ISS was significantly higher in those with scapula fractures (27.12 +/- 15.13 vs. 22.8 +/- 14.4, p = 0.01). Patients with scapula fractures also had more severe chest injuries (Abbreviated Injury Scale score of 3.46 +/- 1.1 vs. 3.1 +/- 1.0, respectively), but not significantly so. However, the incidence of rib fractures was significantly higher in the patients with scapula fractures (p < 0.05). The incidence and severity of head and abdominal injuries were similar in the two groups. The severity of extremity injuries in patients with scapula fractures was significantly lower (2.4 +/- 0.6 vs. 2.7 +/- 0.7, p = 0.001). The rate of admission, the length of intensive care unit stay, and the overall length of hospital stay were similar in the two groups. The overall mortality rate was 11.4% in patients with scapula fractures and 20% in those without scapula fractures (p = 0.1). Conclusion. Patients with scapula fractures have more severe underlying chest injuries and overall ISS. However, this did not correlate with a higher rate of intensive therapy unit admission, length of hospital stay, or mortality.