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Review
. 2013:2013:635628.
doi: 10.1155/2013/635628. Epub 2013 Nov 28.

Scapulothoracic anatomy and snapping scapula syndrome

Rachel M Frank  1 , Jose Ramirez  1 , Peter N Chalmers  1 , Frank M McCormick  1 , Anthony A Romeo  1
Affiliations
Review

Scapulothoracic anatomy and snapping scapula syndrome

Rachel M Frank et al. Anat Res Int. 2013.

Abstract

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 relationships, including the various muscles, and bursa, is critical to the evaluation of patients presenting with scapulothoracic disorders. The snapping scapula syndrome is caused by either osseous lesions or scapulothoracic bursitis and can be difficult to recognize and treat. The purpose of this review is to discuss the anatomy of the scapulothoracic articulation with an emphasis on the pathology associated with snapping scapula syndrome.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Three-dimensional reconstruction of the scapula demonstrating the (a) superior and (b) inferior osseous morphology of the scapula.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Three-dimensional reconstruction of the scapula demonstrating the (a) lateral (glenoid face) and (b) medial osseous morphology of the scapula.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Photograph of the shoulder in the lateral decubitus position (viewed from superior with the anterior aspect of shoulder to the right) demonstrating dissection of the suprascapular nerve. The proximal portion of the nerve is marked with the solid arrow; the supraspinatus is flipped medially with the nerve running through adipose tissue marked with a dotted arrow between the acromion and the spine. The distal aspect of the nerve, marked with a dashed arrow, is seen on the left side of the specimen going into the infraspinatus.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Radiographs including (a) AP, (b) axillary, and (c) scapular Y of the left shoulder.
Figure 5
Figure 5
CT images with 3D reconstruction demonstrating (a) ventral surface and (b) dorsal surface of scapula.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Arthroscopic images ((a), (b), and (c)) demonstrating arthroscopic bursectomy for snapping scapula syndrome with the use of an arthroscopic shaver (asterisks represent areas of inflamed bursa).
Figure 7
Figure 7
Arthroscopic image demonstrating inflamed bursa prior to arthroscopic bursectomy.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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