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 (: 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 either side ...

(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 The subscapularis is covered by a dense fasci ...

) 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 (synovial 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 bursae (bu ...

, 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, Doctors, The Doctor or The Doctors may refer to: Titles and occupations * Physician, a medical practitioner * Doctor (title), an academic title for the holder of a doctoral-level degree ** Doctorate ** List of doctoral degrees awarded b ...

often recommend physical therapy in order to strengthen the

, 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. Cortisol is converted by the action of the enzyme corticosteroid 11-beta-dehydrogenase ...

injections would be used.

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 December 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 November 2009. Web. 5 December 2011.

External links

Snapping scapula syndrome: diagnosis and management
''National Center for Biotechnology Information'' {{DEFAULTSORT:Snapping Scapula Syndrome Skeletal disorders Syndromes