Characterization and Influence of Ipsilateral Scapula Fractures among Patients Who Undergo Surgical Stabilization of Sub-Scapular Rib Fractures

Current decision algorithms involving surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) do not consider either specific fracture locations or other chest wall bony injuries. Our objective was to characterize the impact of scapula fractures on morbidity among patients who underwent fixation of sub-scapular rib fractures. We hypothesized that an ipsilateral scapula fracture was associated with poor acute and long-term outcomes. Retrospective review of two institutions’ prospectively maintained SSRF databases (October 2010 to January 2019). Patients who underwent repair of ≥ 1 sub-scapular rib fracture were included. Patients were grouped by the presence of an ipsilateral scapula fracture. Outcomes were acute SSRF complications, long-term rib implant removal, and quality of life via phone survey. A total of 144 patients were analyzed; 53 (36.8%) had an ipsilateral scapula fracture. Patients with a scapula fracture had a higher injury severity score (p = 0.02), degree of pulmonary contusion (p < 0.01), and RibScore (p < 0.01). The overall incidence of both acute re-operation (n = 4, 2.8%) and long-term implant removal (n = 5, 3.8%) following SSRF was low and did not vary by the presence of a scapula fracture. Only twenty-one patients completed phone questionnaires a median of 38 months after SSRF; both shoulder and rib outcomes were excellent and did not vary by the presence of a scapula fracture. Ipsilateral scapula fractures are common in patients who undergo surgical stabilization of sub-scapular rib fractures. Despite higher injury severity, patients with an ipsilateral scapula fracture did not incur worse outcomes.