Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine the relevance of CT examination in scapular fractures and to standardize it. A group of 163 patients with extra-articular fracture of the scapular body and neck was analysed. 3D CT was performed in 85 of them and 31 patients were operated on.
This group served as the basis for evaluating the benefits of CT examination for the diagnostics of scapular fractures. CT scans are very helpful for the evaluation of the glenoid fossa and, where necessary, of the processes of the scapula.
They, however, do not allow for a correct determination of the fracture types, those of the scapular body and neck in particular. Three-dimensional CT (3D CT) reconstruction is the only method allowing for the determination of the exact types of scapula fracture.
In these reconstructions it is necessary to image the scapula from three standardized views, i.e. from posterior, anterior and lateral aspects, after subtraction of the ribs, the proximal humerus and the clavicle. All fractures of the scapular body and neck require 3D CT reconstruction.