Scapulothoracic dissociation (closed avulsion of the scapula, subclavian artery, and brachial plexus): a newly recognized variant, a new classification, and a review of the literature and treatment options.

Scapulothoracic (ST) dissociation is a closed complete traumatic forequarter amputation manifested by a flail pulseless arm and well-defined roentgenographic findings. These roentgenographic findings were previously reported to be lateral displacement of the scapula and either acromioclavicular separation (17) or displaced clavicular fracture (20). In this paper we present four patients with ST dissociation who had a previously unreported combination of roentgenographic findings: lateral displacement of the scapula and sternoclavicular separation. Polytrauma was present in all previously reported cases of patients with ST dissociation. We present one patient, however, in whom ST dissociation is an isolated finding. A review of the literature, and a review of treatment options that includes some combination of amputation, shoulder arthrodesis, prosthetic fitting, and reconstructive tendon transfers, are presented.