OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical results of scapula fractures with lateral incision combined with bridge internal fixation system.

METHODSFrom October 2012 to December 2016, 20 cases of scapular fractures were treated through the lateral incision combined with bridge fixation system, including 15 males and 5 females, with an average age of 31.6 years old(ranged, 21 to 52 years old). Fourteen cases were scapular body fracture, 10 were scapular neck fracture, 6 were scapular fracture, 1 was acromion fracture, 1 was coracoid fracture, 4 were the glenoid rim fracture, 3 were the glenoid fossa fracture. The operation time ranged from 4 to 15 d after injury with an average of 10 d.

RESULTSAll 20 cases were followed up for 3 to 24 months with an average of 15 months. Wound infection occurred in 2 cases after operation, and was healed after wound debridement and change dressing; no osteomyelitis, iatrogenic nerve injury, breakage of internal fixation, fracture displacement, joint stiffness occurred. Callus growth was observed at the fracture site 3 months after operation, the fracture healing time was 4 to 7 months, fracture healing was good without delayed union or malunion. According to Hardegger shoulder score, the results were excellent in 12 cases, good in 6 cases, moderate in 2 cases.

CONCLUSIONSLateral incision approach combined with bridge internal fixation system for scapula fractures has the advantages of easy operation, revealed clearly, and the incision can be arbitrary to extend on both sides, to provide favorable conditions for the reduction and fixation of fracture. Bridge combined internal fixation system has the advantages of flexible operation, reliable fixation strength, is a good choice for treatment of scapula fracture.