Rare case of the fracture of the lateral border of the scapula associated with lesion of the brachial plexus: a case report

Abdellatif Benabbouha, Adil Lamkhanter

PAMJ. 2016; 23:249. Published 28 Apr 2016 | doi:10.11604/pamj.2016.23.249.9277

Scapular fractures are considered a very unusual injury, among studies in adults they account for 1-3% of all fractures, and 5% of fractures involving the shoulder, because the anatomic location and the soft tissues protect the scapula. Consequently, they are usually caused by high-energy vesicular trauma or by falling from a height.Conservative treatment commonly produces good or excellent results.We report a very rare case of a fracture of the lateral border of the scapula associated with lesion of the brachial plexus. A 38-year-old man injured his left shoulder in a traffic accident.In his physical examination, there was a deficit partial nervous of the brachial plexus. The X-ray examination revealed a displaced fracture of the lateral border of the scapula.A computed tomography scan with 3D reconstruction confirmed the diagnosis. Electromyographicexamination two weeks after the injury showed a compression of the brachial plexus. The fracture was treated conservatively. By 4 months after the injury there was further improvement in both sensory and motor function, and by 8 months there was sensation in the autonomous zones of both median and ulnar nerves and good return of muscle power.
Corresponding author
Abdellatif Benabbouha, Service de Chirurgie Orthopédique et Traumatologique I, Hôpital Militaire d’Instruction Mohamed V, Rabat, Maroc (benbouha.abdel@yahoo.fr)


The Pan African Medical Journal (ISSN: 1937-8688) is a subsidiary of the Pan African Medical Journal. The contents of this journal is intended exclusively for professionals in the medical, paramedical and public health and other health sectors.

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