Coracoid Process Fractures of the Scapula Treated by Baseplate Three-Column Glenoid Fixation: A Retrospective Study of 24 Patients

Overview

Journal Med Sci Monit

Specialties General Medicine
Pathology

Date 2023 Apr 10

PMID 37032522

Authors

Yanbin Tan

Hang Li

Jiaqi Wu

Deting Xue

Zhijun Pan

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

BACKGROUND This retrospective study from a single center aimed to evaluate 24 patients with coracoid process fractures of the scapula treated by baseplate three-column glenoid fixation of the 3 columns attached to the glenoid, or the scapula-glenoid construct, which includes the base of the coracoid, the scapular spine, and the lateral/scapular pillar. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty-four patients with 24 coracoid process fractures were treated from March 2018 to August 2020 in our hospital; 11 cases were treated with the modified technique and 13 with the conventional technique. The patients had comparable screw length, bone union time, fracture reduction, and Constant-Murley shoulder outcome scores. The significant differences between variables were tested using the t test and Fisher's exact test, while bone union and reduction position were confirmed with X-ray and CT scans. The average follow-up time was 12 months. RESULTS The mean Constant-Murley shoulder outcome score and fracture reduction did not differ significantly (P>0.05), and all patients returned to their previous occupations and levels of activity, with no loss of reduction or surgical revision at the last follow-up. Bone union time for the modified group was longer than that of the conventional group (P<0.05). However, 1 patient had a screw broken at 5 months from heavy manual labor and showed delayed union at 8 months. The lengths of the coracoid process screws in the modified group were longer than in the conventional group (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS The findings from this retrospective study showed that baseplate three-column glenoid fixation of the coracoid process was a good surgical option for coracoid process fractures.

Citing Articles

Ipsilateral concomitant fractures of the clavicle and coracoid process of the scapula: incidence, characteristics, and outcomes.

Zhang N, Bai G, Kang X, Zhu Y, Feng D J Orthop Traumatol. 2025; 26(1):2.

PMID: 39825975 PMC: 11741964. DOI: 10.1186/s10195-025-00817-2.

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