Superior approach to the glenoid for treating acromion fractures combined with ideberg type III scapular glenoid fractures: a technical note.

Purpose: Scapular glenoid fractures, categorized based on the Ideberg classification, are commonly addressed surgically through approaches like the anterior deltoid-pectoral approach, posterior Judet approach, modified Judet approach, or posterior axillary approach. However, these methods present limitations in exposing the superior part of the glenoid. Therefore, we propose an approach for patients with concomitant acromion fractures, involving the anterior lateral flipping of the fractured acromion, allowing direct superior visualization of the superior and posterior superior parts of the glenoid.

Method: Retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of five patients with shoulder fractures combined with scapular Ideberg III fractures between June 2018 and May 2023. All patients were treated using the shoulder approach above the scapular spine. There were four males and one female, aged 23-54 years with an average age of 36.6 years. One case involved the left shoulder, and four cases involved the right shoulder. X-rays and CT were taken before and after surgery to assess the location of the fractures and the healing status. Clinical evaluation included the assessment of efficacy using the Constant-Murley scoring criteria and analysis of surgical complications.

Results: All five patients were followed up for a duration of 14-36 months. All fractures healed completely, with an average healing time of 4.3 months (range: 3-6 months). There were no complications such as suprascapular nerve injury, nonunion, wound infection, or shoulder joint instability observed postoperatively. At the final follow-up, the Constant-Murley shoulder joint function score ranged from 84 to 98 points, with an average of 91.4 points. Three patients achieved an excellent rating in shoulder joint function score, while two patients achieved a good rating.

Conclusion: The shoulder approach above the scapular spine exhibits advantages such as easy exposure and reduction, minimal intraoperative trauma, and clear visualization.