Scapulothoracic dissociation is rare, resulting from high-energy trauma to the shoulder girdle and disruption of the scapulothoracic articulation. The associated musculoskeletal, vascular, and neurologic injuries carry potentially devastating outcomes. Overall outcomes seem to be closely related to the degree of neurologic impairment sustained. However, given the wide spectrum of injury in scapulothoracic dissociation and limited data concerning outcomes, general recommendations regarding the management of this injury have been difficult to discern. This article reviews the current data regarding the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes after scapulothoracic dissociation.
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