Exams and Tests

A doctor will be able to diagnose a broken shoulder blade after a thorough physical examination and imaging.

• Shoulder and chest x-rays are taken.
  
  
• CT scans of the abdomen and chest are sometimes indicated to evaluate other injuries.
  
  
• CT scans of the shoulder are sometimes needed to diagnose fractures of the shoulder socket (glenoid).
  
  
• Fractures of the scapula are sometimes discovered during extensive evaluations after major trauma from falls, motor vehicle accidents, or direct trauma.