Arthroscopic partial resection of the scapula for snapping scapula: a new technique.

Abstract

We describe a new method of arthroscopic bony surgery to the superomedial corner of the scapula in patients with painful snapping caused by bony impingement. Seven patients who had failed conservative treatment were monitored prospectively. In 5 patients we used 3-dimensional computed tomography as a diagnostic aid. The condition was successfully managed in 6 cases. One procedure was abandoned because of intraoperative swelling; there was 1 minor wound infection. In all cases the operation relieved symptoms. Two of the 5 patients scanned had narrowing of the superomedial interval. The advantages of this technique are in cosmesis and early rehabilitation, and the early results are good. Provided due care is taken in portal placement, complications should be minimal. Three-dimensional reconstruction computed tomography scanning may be useful in some patients to show narrowing between the superomedial corner and the chest wall, but we cannot at present recommend its routine use.