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Partial scapulectomy for snapping scapula syndrome
B J Morse1, N A Ebraheim, W T Jackson
1Medical College of Ohio, Toledo.
Orthopaedic Review
|October 1, 1993
Summary
Snapping scapula, a rare cause of shoulder pain, can be effectively treated with surgery. Surgical excision of scapular abnormalities provided immediate and lasting relief for the patient in this case.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Sports Medicine
- Anatomy
Background:
- Snapping scapula is an uncommon condition characterized by audible and/or palpable snapping during scapular movement.
- It can lead to significant shoulder pain and functional limitation.
- Etiologies are diverse, often involving structural abnormalities or soft tissue impingement.
Observation:
- A patient presented with symptoms consistent with snapping scapula syndrome.
- The patient's scapular abnormalities and a portion of the medial scapular border were identified as the likely cause.
- Conservative treatments had not provided relief.
Findings:
- Surgical excision of the identified scapular abnormalities and part of the medial scapular border was performed.
- The patient experienced immediate and complete resolution of snapping scapula symptoms post-operatively.
- No recurrence of symptoms was noted during follow-up.
Implications:
- Surgical intervention can be a highly effective treatment for refractory snapping scapula syndrome.
- Targeted resection of bony or soft tissue abnormalities offers a definitive solution.
- This approach may significantly improve patient quality of life and return to activity.