OBJECTIVETo investigate the method and effect of treatment of complex scapular body fractures by locking reconstructive plate through modified posterior approach.

METHODSFrom August 2005 to November 2009, 27 patients with complex scapula body fractures were treated by locking reconstruction bone plate fixation,including 19 males and 8 females with an average age of 36 years old ranging from 16 to 64 years. The time after injury was 0.5 hours to 11 days (averaged 3 days). Of all the patients, 9 cases were associated with ipsilateral clavicle fracture, 2 cases were associated with acromioclavicular joint dislocation,16 cases were associated with multiple rib fractures, 1 case were associated with humeral shaft fractures, 5 cases were associated with pleural effusion, atelectasis, lung contusion etc. After operating,shoulder functional recovery were followed up.

RESULTSTwenty-four patients were followed up from 2 to 35 months with an average of 19 months. According to Hardegger shoulder function,the results were excellent in 15 cases, good in 7 cases, general in 2 cases.

CONCLUSIONThis method had the advantage of less trauma and clear exposure, firm and reliable fixation, and early activities.