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Published March 15, 2022

Surgical Fixation of Extra-articular Scapula Body Fracture Through a Modified Judet Approach

Background This video presents the case of a 53-year-old male laborer who slipped and fell on ice and had resultant acute right shoulder pain. Plain radiographs and a CT scan of the scapula were obtained that demonstrated a comminuted and displaced extra-articular scapula body fracture with approximately 2cm of medialization of the glenoid. Methods The anatomy, examination, diagnosis, and surgical approach options are reviewed. After a thorough discussion of risks, benefits, and prognosis was presented to the patient, he elected to proceed with surgical fixation for restoration of function. In this case, fixation was planned at the inferomedial aspect of the glenoid and the superolateral and medial border of the scapula. Results At the 3-month postoperative visit, radiographs demonstrated an apparently healed scapula without hardware breakage or loosening. Clinically, the patient had no tenderness over the fracture site, which indicated full healing of his fractures. The patient was allowed to return to work as a laborer pending his ability to perform the tasks that his job required. Conclusion A modified Judet approach can be performed in the surgical fixation of comminuted and displaced extra-articular scapula body fractures with excellent clinical results.