Introduction:

Scapular fractures comprise 1% of all fractures and 3 to 5% of the shoulder, they occur in young patients by high energy trauma. Only 10% have surgical indication based on the alteration of the shoulder’s suspensory complex. The objective is to assess the outcome of patients with surgical indication as well as a review of the literature.

Case report:

We present two patients with Bartonicek D fracture of the right scapular body with mediolateral displacement, anteroposterior angular deformity and alteration of the glenopolar angle. Surgery was performed on both cases with conventional and special anatomical plates. Functional assessment and radiographic follow-up of both cases were performed at 6 months, obtaining flexion mobility of 180º/170º in both cases, as well as functional scales DASH 22/25, Constant 90/89 and Simple Shoulder Test 11/11 respectively; with bone consolidation grade III-IV of Montoya.

Discussion:

Due to the low degree of satisfaction with conservative treatment in patients with high functional demand, and multiple complications consisting in residual pain, impingement and scapular dyskinesia; it is important to perform an adequate reduction and stabilization of the fracture. We recommend surgical management for this type of fractures since they compromise the kinetic chain of the shoulder and impact the functional outcome in the short and medium term.