Charles E. DeCamp

9 – Fractures of the scapula

HISTORY Prior to the discovery of antibiotics, asepsis, and open fracture reduction, most references to treatment of scapular fractures indicated the rarity of such fractures and the use of coaptation to provide comfort for the animal. With the advent of radiography and more comprehensive orthopaedic training, surgeons became aware of the need to anatomically reduce fractures of the glenoid in order to avoid the occurrence of severe disability or degenerative joint disease. As more sophisticated forms of internal fixation became available, their application to the scapula as well as to other major long bones was successful. Today fractured scapulae are still treated by coaptation when appropriate and by rigid internal fixation when necessary.