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A Posterolateral Approach to the Scapula for Evacuation of a Subscapular Abscess: A Case Report
Claudia Christman-Skieller1, Lisa K McIntyre1, Rebecca Plevin2
1Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine (C.C.-S. and D.G.S.), Division of Trauma, Burns, and Surgical Critical Care (L.K.M.), and Division of Plastic Surgery (J.B.F.), Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.
Case:
We present the case of a subscapular abscess that was drained via a posterolateral approach to the scapula. Complete evacuation of the abscess was achieved, and the incisions healed without difficulty. There were no immediate postoperative complications from this approach.
Conclusion:
To our knowledge, a posterolateral approach for evacuating a subscapular abscess has not been described previously in the literature. Utilizing the internervous plane between the teres major and latissimus dorsi muscles, along with medial counterincisions, allows for safe drainage of this rare type of abscess.
