32M | 2.5 months after hairline scapula fracture - lower shoulder, lower scapula, lower elbow, and prominent shoulder contour. Normal recovery or something else?
Age/Sex: 32M
Height/Weight: 6’2”, approximately [your weight]
Medications: None
Smoking: Non-smoker
Medical history: Hairline scapula fracture from a motor vehicle accident approximately 2.5 months ago. Treated non-operatively.
Main concern:
Since the injury, the injured side appears different from the opposite side.
Things I notice:
Shoulder sits lower at rest
Scapula appears lower than the other side
Elbow hangs lower than the opposite arm
When I abduct my arms, the injured side looks like it has a “shoulder pad” under the skin compared to the normal side
A bony area on the top/outer shoulder feels more prominent than the other side
Recovery has improved significantly:
Flexion improved
Abduction improved
External rotation improved
Extension improved
Strength gradually improving
I occasionally get painless clicking during stretching but no significant pain.
Photos attached showing:
Front at rest
Front with arms elevated
Back at rest
Back with arms elevated
My questions:
Does this appearance look more consistent with scapular dyskinesis/muscle imbalance after injury, or with a bone healing issue?
Is it common for the shoulder, scapula, and elbow to sit lower during recovery from a scapula fracture?
Based on the photos, does this look likely to continue improving with time and rehab?
Are there any red flags that would make you concerned about malunion or another structural problem?