Location
Moultrie, GA
Start Date
17-4-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
17-4-2026 1:00 PM
Description
Scapular fractures are rare and often managed in a non-operative fashion. This report includes a case of a 35 year old active duty male who sustained a critically comminuted scapular body fracture with an isolated pectoralis major tendon tear whilst participating in a static line parachute jump. The patient presented with new onset left shoulder pain, inflammation, and functional loss but did not show any signs of associated systemic trauma. On imaging, there were scapular fragments that were displaced as well as a proximal pectoralis major rupture. Given the severe degree of displacement and the occupational demands of the patient, operative management was chosen. The patient’s procedure consisted of open reduction and internal fixation with fragment removal and concurrent pectoralis major repair. Fortunately, the patient’s recovery was uneventful, and there was appropriate functional improvement allowing him to return to duty within one year. The purpose of this case is to highlight an unusual mechanism and injury combination, explain the role and reasoning of surgical intervention in certain patients, and to spread awareness regarding the need for more recognition of atypical injury patterns in military airborne operations.
Embargo Period
5-29-2026
Included in
Unique Combination of Scapula Fracture and Pectoralis Major Tear Sustained During Static Line Airborne Operations: Case Report
Moultrie, GA
Scapular fractures are rare and often managed in a non-operative fashion. This report includes a case of a 35 year old active duty male who sustained a critically comminuted scapular body fracture with an isolated pectoralis major tendon tear whilst participating in a static line parachute jump. The patient presented with new onset left shoulder pain, inflammation, and functional loss but did not show any signs of associated systemic trauma. On imaging, there were scapular fragments that were displaced as well as a proximal pectoralis major rupture. Given the severe degree of displacement and the occupational demands of the patient, operative management was chosen. The patient’s procedure consisted of open reduction and internal fixation with fragment removal and concurrent pectoralis major repair. Fortunately, the patient’s recovery was uneventful, and there was appropriate functional improvement allowing him to return to duty within one year. The purpose of this case is to highlight an unusual mechanism and injury combination, explain the role and reasoning of surgical intervention in certain patients, and to spread awareness regarding the need for more recognition of atypical injury patterns in military airborne operations.
Comments
Presented by Mykala Jackson.