Subscapularis syndrome: a case report

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS) commonly involves supraspinatus and infraspinatus dysfunction.
• The subscapularis muscle's role in SIS is frequently underestimated and undertreated.
• Overlooked subscapularis pathology can complicate SIS treatment and recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight subscapularis muscle dysfunction as a potential factor in subacromial impingement syndrome.
• To present a case report illustrating signs and symptoms of subscapularis pathology in SIS.
• To provide a clinical rationale for considering subscapularis involvement in SIS evaluation and treatment.

Main Methods:

• Case report presentation.
• Clinical evaluation of signs and symptoms related to subscapularis pathology.
• Literature review on subscapularis involvement in shoulder impingement.

Main Results:

• The case report demonstrates subscapularis dysfunction presenting concordantly with subacromial impingement syndrome.
• Identifying subscapularis involvement offers potential for more targeted treatment strategies.
• This case prompts consideration of the subscapularis in the differential diagnosis of SIS.

Conclusions:

• Subscapularis muscle dysfunction should be considered in the etiology and sequelae of subacromial impingement syndrome.
• Early identification and treatment of subscapularis pathology may improve outcomes for patients with SIS.
• This case report encourages clinicians to include subscapularis assessment in their routine evaluation of shoulder impingement.