Snapping scapula syndrome, also known as scapulocostal syndrome or scapulothoracic syndrome, is described by a "grating, grinding, popping or snapping sensation of the scapula onto the back side of the ribs or thoracic area of the spine" (Hauser). Disruption of the normal scapulothoracic mechanics causes this problem. The most common cases are found in young, active patients who tend to excessively use the overhead or throwing motion.
Cause
One source of snapping scapula is when the muscles underneath the
scapula
The scapula (plural scapulae or scapulas), also known as the shoulder blade, is the bone that connects the humerus (upper arm bone) with the clavicle (collar bone). Like their connected bones, the scapulae are paired, with each scapula on eithe ...
(the
subscapularis muscle
The subscapularis is a large triangular muscle which fills the subscapular fossa and inserts into the lesser tubercle of the humerus and the front of the capsule of the shoulder-joint.
Structure
It arises from its medial two-thirds and
Som ...
) atrophies. This causes the scapula to become very close to the rib cage, eventually causing rubbing or bumping during arm/shoulder movement. Another cause is
bursitis
Bursitis is the inflammation of one or more bursae (fluid filled sacs) of synovial fluid in the body. They are lined with a synovial membrane that secretes a lubricating synovial fluid. There are more than 150 bursae in the human body. The bursa ...
, which is when the tissues between the shoulder blade and thoracic wall inflame. Muscle and bone abnormalities in the shoulder area can also contribute to the pain.
Diagnosis
Treatment
Non-Surgical
Doctors
Doctor or The Doctor may refer to:
Personal titles
* Doctor (title), the holder of an accredited academic degree
* A medical practitioner, including:
** Physician
** Surgeon
** Dentist
** Veterinary physician
** Optometrist
*Other roles
** ...
often recommend physical therapy in order to strengthen the
subscapularis muscle
The subscapularis is a large triangular muscle which fills the subscapular fossa and inserts into the lesser tubercle of the humerus and the front of the capsule of the shoulder-joint.
Structure
It arises from its medial two-thirds and
Som ...
, and prescribe anti-inflammatory medications. For extreme cases,
cortisone
Cortisone is a pregnene (21-carbon) steroid hormone. It is a naturally-occurring corticosteroid metabolite that is also used as a pharmaceutical prodrug; it is not synthesized in the adrenal glands. Cortisol is converted by the action of the enzy ...
injections would be utilized.
Surgical
Surgery is usually only used if the non-surgical treatments have failed. Bone abnormalities may need surgical attention. The most common surgery for snapping scapula requires the surgeon to "take out a small piece of the upper corner of the scapula nearest to the spine."
References
* Hauser, Ross
"Snapping Scapula Syndrome."Prolotherapy Information . N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Dec 2011.
* Kuhne, M, N Boniquit, N Ghodadra, AA Romeo, and MT Provcher
"The snapping scapula: diagnosis and treatment."PubMed. National Center for Biotechnology Information, 25 Nov 2009. Web. 5 Dec 2011.
External links
Snapping scapula syndrome: diagnosis and management''National Center for Biotechnology Information''
{{DEFAULTSORT:Snapping Scapula Syndrome
Skeletal disorders
Syndromes