%0 Journal Article
%T Scapulothoracic Anatomy and Snapping Scapula Syndrome
%A Rachel M. Frank
%A Jose Ramirez
%A Peter N. Chalmers
%A Frank M. McCormick
%A Anthony A. Romeo
%J Anatomy Research International
%D 2013
%I Hindawi Publishing Corporation
%R 10.1155/2013/635628
%X 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. 1. Introduction The scapulothoracic articulation is a complex anatomical structure that plays a substantial role in overall shoulder function. The osseous, ligamentous, and muscular periscapular relationships are intricate. While scapulothoracic pathology is uncommon, a thorough appreciation of the anatomy, including the various muscular relationships and bursal planes, is critical to the evaluation of patients presenting with scapulothoracic disorders [1]. Snapping scapula syndrome is caused by either osseous lesions or scapulothoracic bursitis, and appropriate recognition and treatment of these disorders is dependent on a solid foundation in periscapular anatomy [2, 3]. 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. 2. Anatomical Description of the Scapula The scapula is a flat bone (Figures 1 and 2) that rests on the posterolateral aspect of the thoracic cavity overlying ribs 2 through 7 [1, 3]. The scapula serves as a site for multiple muscular origins and insertions [1] and is thin and triangular shaped with three distinct borders (superior, axillary, and vertebral) and three angles (superomedial, inferomedial, and lateral (glenoid)) [4] (Figures 1 and 2). The superomedial angle, formed by the superior border and the vertebral border of the scapula, normally measures 124 to 162 degrees [5]. These anatomical variations in the superomedial angle may have clinical implications in the development of snapping scapula syndrome [5]. The anterior surface of the scapula is undulating. Scapular thickness ranges from 10.5 to 26.7£żmm [5]. Figure 1: Three-dimensional reconstruction of the scapula demonstrating the (a) superior
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ari/2013/635628/