Crimson Publishers Publish With Us Reprints e-Books Video articles

Full Text

Orthopedic Research Online Journal

Scapula Winging With a Clavicle Fracture: A Case Report

Karunakgaran K1* and Taran Singh Pall Singh2

Department of Orthopaedic, University Saints Malaysia, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: Karunakgaran K, Department of Orthopaedic, University Saints Malaysia, Malaysia

Submission: March 28, 2018;Published: April 18, 2018

DOI: 10.31031/OPROJ.2018.02.000543

ISSN: 2576-8875
Volume2 Issue3

Abstract

We report a case of a patient who sustained closed comminute mid-shaft right clavicle fracture with ipsilateral scapula winging. The winging persisted for 4 weeks after the fracture and spontaneously resolved after open reduction and internal fixation of right clavicle. We suspect that the winging is caused by scapular dyskinesia secondary to shortening of the clavicle.

Introduction

Clavicle fracture association with scapula winging is a rare entity. Prevalence of scapula winging in clavicle fractures is less than 0.05% [1]. Damage to the long thoracic nerve is a classic cause of medial scapula winging [2]. There are reports of scapula winging in association with malunions and non-union’s of acromian fractures [3], as well as clavicle fractures [3].

Case Report

A previously healthy 21-year-old Malay girl presented to our clinic 6 weeks after sustaining a closed comminute mid-shaft right clavicle fracture following a motor vehicle accident. She had no other significant injuries. Examination revealed a deformity in the right mid-clavicular area and crepitus upon attempted shoulder motion. There was no evidence of brachial plexus injury clinically as her sensory and motor examination was all normal. She had limited shoulder abduction and flexion due to pain. Posterior, there was prominence of the medial border of the right scapula which was also displaced laterally (Figure 1).

Figure 1: Right scapula winging.


Upon pushing both palms against the wall with the elbows extended, the deformity disappeared. Specific assessment of the serratus anterior, trapezius and rhomboid muscles were normal. Nerve conduction study of the long thoracic and spinal accessory nerves was also normal. Radiographs revealed a displaced comminute clavicle shaft fracture with a shortening of 3cm (Figure 2). The clavicle fracture was treated surgically with open reduction and internal fixation using a distal clavicle locking compression plate (Synthes®) and augmented with autologous cortico-cancellous iliac crest bone graft (Figure 3). There was near complete resolution of the scapular winging upon inspection on the second day after surgery (Figure 4). The patient was also prescribed physiotherapy with emphasis on serratus anterior, rhomboid and trapezius muscle strengthening. On the first follow up after 2 weeks of surgery, complete resolution of winging. During second follow up after 2 months of post-operative, she had good shoulder range of motion.

Figure 2: Chest radiograph showing right clavicle midshaft fracture with 3cm shortening.


Figure 3: Post-operative Chest radiograph showing restoration of right clavicle length.


Figure 4: Right scapula winging resolved during inspection on the second day after surgery.


Discussion

Our patient presented with a unique case of scapula winging. We suspect that the winging is caused by scapular dyskinesia secondary to shortening of the clavicle. The clavicle acts as a strut for the shoulder complex, connecting the scapula to the axial skeleton. Alteration in this linkage may lead to abnormalities in the static or dynamic position of the scapula [4]. Dyskinesia can be a clinical sign of potentially harmful alteration of clavicle anatomy, hence, justifying surgical treatment for these fractures. In majority of these cases, scapula winging resolves completely after surgery. Other possible contibutory factors to produce winging with a clavicle fracture include loss of scapular suspensory mechanism and pain.

References

  1. Kendra E Keenan, John G Skedro (2012) A Patient Clavicle fracture with recurrent scapula winging. Hindawi publishing corporation.
  2. Fiddian NJ, king RJ (1984) The winged scapula clinical orthopaedic and related research.185: 228-236.
  3. Rasyid HN, Nakajima T (2008) Winging of scapula caused by disruption of sternoclavicularscapular linkage. Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery.
  4. Scapular dyskinesis. Scott Sevinsky MSPT.

© 2018 Karunakgaran K. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License , which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.

About Crimson

We at Crimson Publishing are a group of people with a combined passion for science and research, who wants to bring to the world a unified platform where all scientific know-how is available read more...

Leave a comment

Contact Info

  • Crimson Publishers, LLC
  • 260 Madison Ave, 8th Floor
  •     New York, NY 10016, USA
  • +1 (929) 600-8049
  • +1 (929) 447-1137
  • info@crimsonpublishers.com
  • www.crimsonpublishers.com