Radiologic and clinical outcomes of a novel scapular anatomical plate for glenoid articular and periarticular fractures.

Abstract

PurposeTo evaluate the radiologic and clinical outcomes of a novel scapular anatomical plate designed for fixation of glenoid articular and periarticular fractures.MethodsThis prospective case series included 14 patients with scapular fractures treated between 2020 and 2024. Indications for surgery were intra-articular step-off >3 mm, glenoid medialization >20 mm, or glenoid angulation >30°. All patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation using the newly developed anatomical plate and were followed for at least 12 months. Radiologic outcomes were assessed using computed tomography, including intra-articular step-off, lateral border offset, and glenoid angular deformity. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using shoulder range of motion, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, modified American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain.ResultsSix patients had intra-articular fractures and eight had extra-articular fractures. Mean intra-articular step-off improved from 6.3 mm to 1.9 mm, lateral border offset from 21.2 mm to 2.3 mm, and glenoid angular deformity from 30.1° to near-anatomical alignment postoperatively. No articular screw penetration was observed on postoperative CT. All fractures achieved radiographic union without loss of reduction or implant-related complications. At 12 months, mean forward flexion was 136.4°, DASH score 24.5, modified ASES score 72.9, and VAS score 3.1.ConclusionThe novel scapular anatomical plate provided stable fixation with satisfactory radiologic restoration and favorable clinical outcomes for glenoid articular and periarticular fractures.