ArticleJournal of orthopaedic case reports2026
3D-Assisted Scapular Fracture Fixation in a Polytraumatized Patient: A Case Report.
Article in Journal of orthopaedic case reports, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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4 authors.
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Abstract
Introduction: Scapular fractures are relatively uncommon but pose significant challenges in high-energy polytrauma, particularly when complex comminuted patterns are present. Three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) reconstruction and 3D printing are emerging tools in orthopedics that enhance pre-operative planning and intraoperative decision-making. Although widely used in pelvic, acetabular, and distal radius fractures, their application in scapular fracture management remains limited. Case Report: A 22-year-old active-duty male sustained polytrauma following a high-speed motorcycle collision, including a comminuted scapular body fracture with scapulothoracic dissociation and a transected branch of the suprascapular nerve to the supraspinatus. High-resolution CT imaging was used to generate a 3D reconstruction of the scapula, from which a full-scale, patient-specific 3D-printed model was created and sterilized for intraoperative reference. Open reduction and internal fixation was performed via a modified Judet approach using a 3.5-mm locking compression plate, a 2.0-mm T-plate, and a 3.5-mm cannulated screw for reduction of this complex fracture. The transected suprascapular nerve branch was repaired intraoperatively. Use of the sterilized 3D model improved spatial understanding of fracture morphology and facilitated accurate implant placement. Post-operative CT imaging confirmed anatomic reduction and optimal hardware positioning. Conclusion: This case demonstrates the novel utility of sterilized 3D-printed models in the fixation of complex scapular fractures, an application infrequently described in the orthopedic literature. Patient-specific 3D models enhance intraoperative spatial orientation and facilitate precise hardware placement when fracture comminution and anatomic complexity limit interpretation of conventional imaging. This report supports extending the use of 3D modeling to scapular fractures in both military and civilian trauma settings.
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