14. Next to the acromion, the lower angle of the scapula is that
portion of the bone most liable to be fractured. The usual causes
of it are, falls on the side, or blows received on the part. It is
characterized by a displacement which is always perceptible. On the
one hand, the fleshy portion of the serratus-major, which is attached
to the inferior fragment, draws it directly forward, while it is drawn
upward by the teres-major, and some of the fibres of the latissimus
dorsi. On the other hand, the body of the bone itself remains behind,
being held by the rhomboid muscles. Hence arises a separation, which
renders it difficult to mistake the fracture. Should any doubts still
remain, let the shoulder be drawn backwards and the scapula along with
it: let the fingers be, at the same time, placed on the lower angle,
to ascertain whether or not it follows the motions of the bone; if
it does, there is no division: but if, on the contrary, it remains
stationary, the existence of the fracture is evident.
§ V.