Treatment of Snapping Scapula Syndrome in Children and Adolescents

The purpose of this study was to review 2 separate cohorts of young patients treated for snapping scapula: those treated surgically and those managed nonoperatively.

A retrospective IRB-approved review was conducted on 18 pediatric aged patients (19 shoulders): 12 patients (average age 13.3) were treated nonoperatively, 6 patients (average age 15.4) (7 shoulders) were treated operatively. Demographic and clinical data were collected from medical records and 2 questionnaires for level of activity, return to sport, subjective satisfaction from treatment, and preoperative/postoperative levels of pain. The American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES) score was measured for both groups.

Mean follow-up for nonoperative patients was 43.7 months (range, 20 to 116 mo). Pretreatment subjective pain levels were 5.2 (scale 1 to 10), posttreatment were 1.5. There was a 75% return to play rate, and an overall 75% satisfaction rate. Posttreatment ASES scores were 90.0. Mean follow-up for surgical patients was 129.5 months (range, 68 to 177 mo). Pretreatment subjective pain level was 8.6, posttreatment was 0.75. There was an 83% return to play rate, and an overall 100% satisfaction rate. There were no complications. Posttreatment ASES scores were 92.6.

Outcomes for nonoperative treatment of snapping scapula are good for young patients. Surgical management of snapping scapula is a safe and viable treatment option for patients who fail nonoperative treatment.

Level IV.