This case series followed 18 conservatively treated scapular neck fractures. It asked whether stability, fracture type, and glenopolar angle predict functional outcome. Function was measured with the Constant score at a mean 25-month follow-up.
When you see an isolated scapular neck fracture, measure the glenopolar angle on the scapular AP view before you reach for the surgical-versus-anatomical neck label. In this series GPA correlated with function at r = 0.891, while fracture type showed no relationship. A GPA below 20° signals severe glenoid rotational malalignment and a worse expected outcome.
The stability question comes down to the suspensory mechanism. An isolated neck fracture with an intact clavicle and coracoclavicular ligaments is stable and does well conservatively, whereas an ipsilateral clavicle fracture creates a floating shoulder that many favor treating surgically.
Remember this is a small case series of 18, so it supports GPA as a prognostic marker rather than a hard surgical threshold. A preserved GPA supports a sling and structured rehab, and associated injuries predict a worse result regardless of the scapula.
This case series followed 18 conservatively treated scapular neck fractures. It asked whether stability, fracture type, and glenopolar angle predict functional outcome. Function was measured with the Constant score at a mean 25-month follow-up.
When you see an isolated scapular neck fracture, measure the glenopolar angle on the scapular AP view before you reach for the surgical-versus-anatomical neck label. In this series GPA correlated with function at r = 0.891, while fracture type showed no relationship. A GPA below 20° signals severe glenoid rotational malalignment and a worse expected outcome.
The stability question comes down to the suspensory mechanism. An isolated neck fracture with an intact clavicle and coracoclavicular ligaments is stable and does well conservatively, whereas an ipsilateral clavicle fracture creates a floating shoulder that many favor treating surgically.
Remember this is a small case series of 18, so it supports GPA as a prognostic marker rather than a hard surgical threshold. A preserved GPA supports a sling and structured rehab, and associated injuries predict a worse result regardless of the scapula.