Otto, J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2013 - Scapular Fractures after Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty: Evaluation of Risk Factors and the Reliability of a Proposed Classification - Article Summary

Scapular Fractures after Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty: Evaluation of Risk Factors and the Reliability of a Proposed Classification

Otto, Frankle, et al.·J Shoulder Elbow Surg·2013·174 citations·Case-control study

Background

The aims were to determine the sensitivity of plain radiographs to detect scapular fractures after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), to test the reliability of a proposed classification, and to evaluate risk factors.

Methods

We matched 53 patients with scapular fractures after RSA to 212 control patients.
Clinical risk factors were assessed by correlating comorbidities.
Independent observers reviewed radiographs to assess fracture detection accuracy and test the reliability of a proposed classification.
Radiographic risks were evaluated by measuring acromial thickness, acromial tilt, glenoid-to-tuberosity distance, and acromion-to-tuberosity (AT) distance.

Results

Independent reviewers accurately diagnosed 78.8% of fractures and 97.4% of controls with good inter-rater reliability (κ = 0.782) and excellent intrarater reliability (κ = 0.862).
Inter-rater reliability of the classification was moderate (κ = 0.422).
Osteoporosis significantly increased the risk of fracture (odds ratio, 1.97; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-3.91); however, no difference was found for other comorbidities or between preoperative and postoperative radiographic parameters.
A significant difference occurred between groups from the postoperative radiographs to the most recent radiographs for AT distance (0.4 ± 5.5 mm for control group and 8.3 ± 7.6 mm for fracture group, P < .001) and acromial tilt (1.8° ± 6.3° for control group and 14° ± 15° for fracture group, P < .001).
Of 16 scapular spine fractures, 14 occurred from a screw tip; however, screw orientation and length were not different between groups.

Conclusions

Osteoporosis is a significant risk factor for scapular fractures after RSA. The current classification has only moderate reliability, suggesting that an alternative classification method is needed. Decreasing AT distance and increasing acromial tilt on consecutive radiographs may improve fracture detection. Advanced imaging may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. Whereas most scapular spine fractures occurred from a screw, the surgical technique did not increase the relative risk.

Supplemental

Scapular Fractures after Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty: Evaluation of Risk Factors and the Reliability of a Proposed Classification.

Otto, Frankle, et al.J Shoulder Elbow Surg2013174 citationsCase-control study