Scapula Fracture Classifications

  1. Scapula fractures: Euler and Rüedi classification
  2. Scapula fractures: DeCloux and Lemerle classification
  3. Scapula fractures: OTA Classification
  4. Glenoid fractures: Ideberg classification
  5. Glenoid fractures: Mayo classification
  6. Glenoid cavity fractures: Goss classsification
  7. Traumatic shoulder girdle / shoulder suspensory complex disruption : Goss

Scapular fractures: Euler and Rüedi classification

In: Schulterchirurgie.Edited by Habermeyer P, 261-272 ,1996

fractures of the body of scapula

    isolated or multifragmentary

B.  fractures of the process

B1    spine

B2    coracoid

B3    acromion

C. fractures of scapular neck

C1    anatomical neck

C2    surgical neck

C3    surgical neck with      

a. fracture clavicle and acromion
b. torn CC and CA ligaments

D. Articular fractures

D1 glenoid rim

D2  glenoid fossa with      

a. inferior glenoid fragment
b. horizontal split of scapula
c. coracoglenoid block formation
d. comminuted fractures

D3  scapula neck and body fracture

E.  fracture combination
      with humeral head fractures

Scapular fractures: DeCloux and Lemerle classification

DeCloux MP, Lemerle, Omoplate. Lille Chir: 215-227, 1956

Type 1:   Scapula body fractures

Type 2:   Apophyseal fractures ( coracoid, acromion)

Type 3:   fractures through the supero-lateral angle of scapula

OTA Scapula fracture Classification System

Orthopedic Trauma Association

Glenoid fractures: Ideberg Classification

Ideberg R et al, Acta Orthop Scand, 66:395-397,1995

Based on 100 glenoid fractures reviewed over a 10-year period, and its merit lies largely in the epidemiologic con- text in which it was written.

Type I: Avulsion fracture of the anterior margin.

Type II

       Type IIA: Transverse fracture through the glenoid fossa exiting inferiorly.

       Type IIB: Oblique fracture through the glenoid fossa exiting inferiorly.

Type III: Oblique fracture through the glenoid exiting superiorly; often associated with an acromioclavicular joint injury.

Type IV: Transverse fracture exiting through the medial border of the scapula.

Type V: Combination of a Type II and Type IV pattern.

Type VI: Severe continuation of glenoid surface (GOSS).

Ideberg R. fractures of the scapula involving the glenoid fossa. (From Batemans JE, Welsh RP (eds): In The surgery of the shoulder. Philadelphia, Decker 1984:63–66.)

Glenoid  fractures: Mayo classification

Mayo modification of the Ideberg classification

Mayo KA, Benirschke SK, Mast JW: Displaced fractures of the glenoid fossa: Results of open reduction and internal fixation. CORR 347:122–130, 1998

Modification of the Ideberg classification based on 27 fractures treated surgically, as a more practical guide to fixation.

Type 1: anterior glenoid rim fracture

    1A: fracture fragment 5mm or less
    1B: fracture fragment > 5mm

Type 2: inferior glenoid fracture involving part of the neck

Type 3: superior glenoid fracture extending through
    base of coracoid

Type 4: Horizontal fracture involving scapular neck and body
    fracture runs below the spine of scapula

Type 5: Type 4 fracture with complete or incomplete neck fracture

Glenoid cavity fractures: Goss classsification

Goss TP, J Am Acad Orthop Surg, 3:22-33, 1995

A variation on Ideberg classification, with more subdivisions for improved discussion of operative management of these injuries.

Type 1: Glenoid rim fractures      

A- anterior rim
B- Posterior rim

Type 2: Glenoid fracture exits at lateral border of scapula

Type 3: Glenoid fracture exits at superior border of scapula

Type 4: Glenoid fracture exits at medial border of scapula

Type 5: Combination fractures  

A- Types 2 & 4
B- Types 3 & 4
C- Types 2,3 & 4
D- comminuted

Types of traumatic shoulder girdle / shoulder suspensory complex disruption : Goss

Goss TP, J Am Acad Orthop Surg, 3:22-33, 1995

Single disruptions

Type A: single disruption by a break

Type B: single disruption by ligament disruption

Double disruptions

Type C: double ligament disruption

Type D: double break

Type E: combined bone and ligament disruption

Type F: both struts disrupted

Type G: one strut and one ring disruption