DIAGNOSTICS AND TREATMENT OF SCAPULAR FRACTURES

Introduction: Scapula fractures are a rare injury of the musculoskeletal system, and their treatment still presents challenges in many aspects. The topographical and anatomical features of the scapular region, the lack of the unified and agreed-upon classification of scapular injuries, discrepancies in existing indications for surgical treatment of fractures of this location, and the insufficient use of minimally invasive surgical approaches to the scapula in modern practice — all these factors do contribute to the ongoing uncertainty in approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of scapular fractures.
The aim of the research: To determine modern aspects in the diagnosis and treatment methods of scapular fractures, analyze the results of various studies describing the methods of diagnosis and treatment of scapular fractures, formulate the main guidelines for managing patients with scapular fractures, and identify areas requiring further research.
Materials and methods: An analysis of various medical literature sources containing data from both original and external studies on the topic of diagnosis and treatment of scapular fractures was conducted, including articles, monographs, and journals. The electronic medical and general scientific databases were used as sources: PubMed, ScienceDirect, and eLIBRARY.
The results of the study: Scapular fractures are a rare injury that come in many variations. Comprehensive radiological imaging, including the use of "scapular" projections to assess the glenopolar angle and CT with 3D reconstruction, is a key aspect of diagnosing scapular fractures. The use of AO and Ideberg classifications is a reliable method for stratifying intra-articular and extra-articular scapular fractures. Physicians agree that extra-articular scapular fractures with significant displacement and intra-articular fractures with any displacement are indications for surgical intervention, provided there are no contraindications based on the patient's somatic status. The long-term complications of both surgical and conservative treatment of scapular fractures most commonly manifest as impaired functionality of the upper limb. The main reason for this is the predominant use of more traumatic approaches and the lack of rehabilitation that takes into account the biomechanical features of the scapula. Considering the results of the analysis of literary sources, one can conclude that aspects related to indications for surgical treatment and rehabilitation of patients require further clarification and study. The literary sources do not contain coordinated information on specific figures for acceptable fragment displacement. Rehabilitation of patients with scapular fractures is mentioned in very few articles. Postoperative management protocols for patients also require improvement through further research. Only in this way is it possible to create a comprehensive algorithm for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with scapular fractures.

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