Snapping scapula syndrome caused by subscapular osteochondroma.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the results of surgical excisions of subscapular exostoses which caused snapping scapula syndrome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between September 1980 and January 2010 30 patients with scapular osteochondromas which caused snapping, were treated surgically in our clinic. Fifteen patients (9 males, 6 females; mean age 15.6 years; range 6 to 29 years) in whom we were able to contact following treatment were clinically evaluated. The mean follow-up was 13.7 years (range 1 to 31 years). The initial examination included radiographs and computed tomography. The clinical results were evaluated with a simple shoulder test at their last follow-up.

RESULTS: The preoperatively most common complaint was winging of the scapula in all patients (100%), followed by pain in 12 patients (80%), and crepitus with scapulothoracic motion in 10 patients (66.6%). None of the patients had any clue in favor of snapping after surgical treatment. According to the responses to the simple shoulder test, none of the patients had any restriction of motion on their operated shoulders. They didn't give us a history about recurrence of the lesion.

CONCLUSION: Excision is an appropriate treatment for osteochondromas. In this retrospective analysis, complete relief following excision of the exostosis was achieved in all patients. No patient had any complaint or recurrence.