Management of Snapping Scapula Syndrome

Snapping scapula syndrome is a rare condition caused by the disruption of the gliding articulation between the anterior scapula and the posterior chest wall. The etiology of snapping scapula syndrome is multifactorial, and contributing factors include scapular dyskinesis, bursitis from repetitive use or trauma, and periscapular lesions. Although the majority of cases are initially treated with nonoperative modalities, recalcitrant snapping scapula syndrome can warrant surgical management. This report describes a 34-year-old amateur weight lifter with a 1-year history of increasing pain and fullness over his posterior shoulder region. He reported full shoulder motion associated with an audible, palpable, and painful crepitus, exacerbated with overhead movement and wall pushups. Previous periscapular stabilization exercises and corticosteroid injection yielded minimal resolution of his symptoms. Prior to being referred to the authors' clinic, the patient was evaluated at an outside facility and deemed a suboptimal candidate for arthroscopic bursectomy because of the large size and location of this lesion. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a large polylobulated fluid collection causing scapulothoracic distention. There was no evidence of osseous abnormalities originating from the scapular body. Computed tomography-guided placement of methylene blue and contrast dye was used to facilitate localization and, in an effort to minimize recurrence, ensure the complete removal of bursal tissue. During 8 weeks, this patient recovered unremarkably and returned to full-duty activities with resolution of symptoms. The authors present the management of chronic and recalcitrant snapping scapula syndrome, and report the open excision of the largest scapulothoracic bursal lesion described, to their knowledge, in the English literature. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(4):e783-e786.].