The scapulothoracic articulation is a sliding junction between the deep aspect of the scapula and thoracic rib cage at the levels of ribs 2 through 7. Motion at this articulation is dynamically stabilized by a variety of muscular attachments, allowing for controlled positioning of the glenoid to assist in glenohumeral joint function. A thorough understanding of the complex anatomic relationship...

Snapping scapula syndrome at the superomedial corner of the scapula can lead to significant shoulder dysfunction. Bursectomy with or without partial scapulectomy is currently the most beneficial primary method of treatment in patients in whom nonoperative therapy fails. Arthroscopic access to the scapulothoracic space is simple and reproducible with the technique described in this report. The b...

Scapulothoracic bursitis is a rare disease and presents as pain or swelling around the bursa of the scapulothoracic articulation. It has been reported to be related to chronic repetitive mechanical stress of the periscapular tissue, trauma, overuse, and focal muscle weakness. The authors experienced an atypical case of scapulothoracic bursitis with shoulder and periscapular pain after quadripar...

INTRODUCTION Patients with scapulothoracic syndrome present with pain in the scapulothoracic area aggravated by overhead and repetitive shoulder movements. The aim of our study was to assess the outcome of scapulothoracic arthroscopic treatment in patients with painful snapping scapula in our institution. METHODS Fourteen patients underwent scapulothoracic arthroscopic treatment for painful s...

Snapping scapula syndrome arises from either a soft-tissue or a skeletal anomaly within the scapulothoracic space that creates a cracking sound during scapulothoracic motion that patients associate with pain. Nonoperative measures consisting of supervised physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and therapeutic injections are the mainstay of treatment. Open, arthroscopic, and combined o...

Dr Lavelle is from the Department of Orthopedics, SUNY Upstate Medical University, East Syracuse, and Dr Uhl is from the Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York. Drs Lavelle and Uhl have no relevant fi nancial relationships to disclose. Correspondence should be addressed to: Richard Uhl, MD, Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Albany Medical College, 1367 Washington...

BACKGROUND Decreased scapulothoracic motion has been associated with various pathologies of the shoulder. Reliable and simple assessment methods of scapular mobility are, however lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the interrater reliability of four clinical tests to assess scapulothoracic motion in patients with a slightly restricted shoulder flexion. METHODS A total of nineteen p...

The scapula is a somewhat mobile structure which, although fixed to the thoracic cage both by muscular and skeletal attachments, can change position with regards to the underlying chest wall [1]. The Scapulothoracic position is maintained by both muscles (serratus, rhomboids etc) and the clavicle which itself attaches laterally to the scapula (acromioclavicular joint) and medially to the chest ...

CONTEXT Baseball players rely on the sensorimotor system to uphold the balance between upper extremity stability and mobility while maintaining athletic performance. However, few researchers have studied functional multijoint measures of sensorimotor acuity in overhead-throwing athletes. OBJECTIVE To compare sensorimotor acuity between 2 high-demand functional positions and among planes of mo...

We report the case of a 28-year-old transgender (male-to-female) patient that had a partial tear of the rhomboid major tendon, scapulothoracic bursitis, and glenohumeral instability on the same side. These conditions resulted from traumatic events during circus acrobatic maneuvers. Additional aspects of this case that make it unique include (1) the main traumatic event occurred during a flagpol...