ARTHROSCOPY OF THE SCAPULOTHORACIC JOINT: CASE REPORTS

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Procedures

Background:

• Scapulothoracic arthroscopy is indicated for limited conditions such as free body resection, benign tumors, bursitis, and scapular snapping.
• This procedure offers a minimally invasive approach to the scapulothoracic joint.

Observation:

• The study presents four distinct cases of scapulothoracic joint arthroscopy.
• Case 1: Visualization of a benign tumor (osteochondroma).
• Case 2: Arthroscopic resection of an osteochondroma.
• Case 3: Arthroscopic bursectomy for scapulothoracic bursitis.
• Case 4: Arthroscopic bursectomy and partial superomedial scapulectomy for snapping scapula.

Findings:

• Successful visualization and resection of benign tumors (osteochondroma) via scapulothoracic arthroscopy.
• Effective arthroscopic treatment for scapulothoracic bursitis.
• Arthroscopic bursectomy and partial scapulectomy successfully addressed snapping scapula.

Implications:

• Scapulothoracic arthroscopy is a viable option for specific pathologies of the scapulothoracic joint.
• This technique can be used for tumor removal, bursitis treatment, and managing snapping scapula.
• Further research may expand the indications for this minimally invasive approach.