#Fracture of the Body.#--Considering its exposed position, the body of the scapula is comparatively seldom fractured, doubtless because of its mobility, and the support it receives from the elastic ribs and soft muscular cushions on which it lies. Apart from gun-shot injuries, it is most frequently broken by a severe blow or crush. The scapula presents two natural arches--one longitudinal, the other transverse--and when the bone is crushed or struck, the force produces fracture by undoing its curves (E. H. Bennett). A main fissure usually runs transversely across the infra-spinous fossa, and secondary cracks radiate from it (Fig. 26). In other cases the line of the primary fracture is longitudinal, passing through the spine and involving both fossæ. [Illustration: FIG. 26.--Transverse Fracture of Scapula, with fissures radiating into spinous process and dorsum.] The _clinical features_ are obscured by swelling of the overlying soft parts. Crepitus may sometimes be elicited by placing one hand firmly over the bone, and with the other moving the arm and shoulder. When the spine is implicated, the fragments may be grasped and made to move one upon another. The displacement, which usually consists in overlapping of the fragments--although sometimes they are drawn apart--is partly due to the action of the serratus anterior and teres major muscles, and partly depends on the direction of the force. Movement is restricted and painful. Osseous union usually takes place rapidly, and although displacement often persists, the function of the limb is unimpaired. _Treatment._--As these fractures are usually complicated by other injuries, especially of the thorax, and are accompanied by severe shock, it is necessary to confine the patient to bed. It is usually sufficient to fix the arm and shoulder to the chest wall by a firm binder, in the position which admits of the most complete apposition of fragments. This retentive apparatus is employed for about three weeks, after which the patient is allowed to use his arm. The bandages are removed daily to admit of massage. #Fracture of the surgical neck of the scapula#, although a rare accident, is of importance, as it is liable to be mistaken for dislocation of the shoulder. The line of fracture runs through the scapular notch, downwards and laterally to the lower margin of the glenoid, so that the glenoid and the coracoid process are separated from the rest of the bone.