Snapping scapula syndrome: diagnosis and management

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Radiology

Background:

• Scapulothoracic bursitis and snapping scapula syndrome are rare but debilitating conditions.
• These disorders involve pain and mechanical crepitus, frequently affecting young, active patients with repetitive overhead activities.
• Potential causes include anatomical variations, muscular abnormalities, and masses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the causes, diagnostic modalities, and treatment outcomes for scapulothoracic bursitis and snapping scapula syndrome.
• To highlight the role of advanced imaging in diagnosis.
• To compare the efficacy of nonsurgical versus surgical interventions.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on scapulothoracic bursitis and snapping scapula syndrome.
• Discussion of diagnostic tools, including 3D CT and MRI.
• Analysis of treatment approaches, encompassing conservative and surgical options (open and endoscopic).

Main Results:

• Nonsurgical treatments (scapular stabilization, exercises, injections) are the initial choice but less effective for anatomical abnormalities.
• Surgical management, both open and endoscopic, has shown satisfactory results when conservative methods fail.
• Advanced imaging (3D CT, MRI) is crucial for identifying underlying abnormalities.

Conclusions:

• Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential for managing scapulothoracic pain and crepitus.
• Surgical intervention is often necessary for patients with significant anatomical abnormalities.
• Surgeons must possess thorough knowledge of surrounding neuroanatomy to prevent complications during scapulothoracic decompression procedures.