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Medical Disclaimer

The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

🚨Emergency? If you have severe symptoms, difficulty breathing, or think it's an emergency, call 000 immediately.

Scapula Fractures (Shoulder Blade Fracture)

Scapula fractures are breaks in the shoulder blade bone, rare injuries accounting for only 1% of all fractures, typically caused by high-energy trauma (car accidents, motorcycle crashes, falls from height) - most scapula body and spine fractures (85-90%) heal well with sling immobilization and physiotherapy, while displaced glenoid (shoulder socket) fractures or severely displaced body fractures may require surgical fixation.

📅Last reviewed: January 2026đŸĨBones & Joints

📖What is Scapula Fractures (Shoulder Blade Fracture)?

Scapula fractures are breaks in the shoulder blade bone, rare injuries accounting for only 1% of all fractures, typically caused by high-energy trauma (car accidents, motorcycle crashes, falls from height) - most scapula body and spine fractures (85-90%) heal well with sling immobilization and physiotherapy, while displaced glenoid (shoulder socket) fractures or severely displaced body fractures may require surgical fixation.

đŸ”ŦWhat Causes It?

  • High-energy blunt trauma (motor vehicle accident, motorcycle crash - most common cause)
  • Fall from significant height (ladder, roof, cliff)
  • Direct blow to shoulder blade (assault, crushing injury)
  • Sports injury in high-impact sports (rugby, American football - rare)

⚠ī¸Risk Factors

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You may be at higher risk if:

  • High-risk occupations (construction, motorcycling)
  • Participation in extreme sports or high-impact activities
  • Motor vehicle or motorcycle use without proper safety equipment

🛡ī¸Prevention

  • ✓Wear seatbelts and use proper restraints in vehicles
  • ✓Use appropriate safety equipment (helmets, protective gear for motorcycling, extreme sports)
  • ✓Follow workplace safety protocols (fall protection, proper equipment use)
  • ✓Avoid high-risk behaviors (excessive speed, dangerous stunts)