The scapula or shoulder blade is a thin and flat, mobile, triangular bone, well protected by a surrounding muscular system, which makes fractures at its level very rare. Fractures of the scapula make up less than 1% of fractures of the body.

During a fall on the back of the shoulder or during a direct impact on the back or the side of the shoulder, pressure is placed on the scapula. If these forces of impact are greater than the one that can support the scapula, a fracture of the scapula may occur, which can also be accompanied by head injuries, broken ribs, lung or spinal cord injuries. The sports that predispose to fracture the scapula are wrestling, martial arts, car racing, hockey, football

The scapula or shoulder blade enters the composition of the shoulder joint, along with the head of the humerus (arm bone) and the collarbone. The scapula is a wide bone, triangular in shape, being located in the upper region of the back, above the ribs. Around the scapula there are 17 muscles, which protect it, such as: supraspinous, large and small rhomboid, scapula lift, trapezium, large dorsal, brachial biceps, long head of the triceps muscle etc.

First of all, the fracture of the scapula manifests with sharp, intense pain, with sudden onset.

The pain is usually severe and is localized in the back and side of his shoulder, in the upper back. Occasionally, the pain may radiate to the front of the shoulder, neck and upper arm. The pain can increase in intensity with the bite of the limb, such as its lifting and when pressure is applied to the affected shoulder. Sometimes even deep breathing or coughing can cause pain.

Immobilization of the scapula with the help of an orthosis has often proved beneficial in the treatment of fractures. Immobilization will keep the shoulder motionless and safe to give the scapula time to heal. Depending on the severity of the fracture, immobilization can vary between 1-4 weeks.

Immediately after the immobilization period, the shoulder can be stiff, which is why it is important to start the recovery program, which includes:

➢ passive stretching exercises, which will be done until the maximum amplitude of movement in the shoulder joint is regained

➢ exercises to tone (strengthen) the muscles around the scapula

In certain situations, depending on the type and severity of the fracture, surgery may be necessary and it involves placing screws and/or plates that fix the fractured bone.

➢ Avoid Aa much as possible activities that predispose to a fall or activities that put a severe force/pressure on the scapula

➢ Participating in sports activities requires wearing appropriate equipment