Scapulothoracic Arthroscopy for Snapping Scapula Syndrome: Clinical Outcomes and Complications

Background: Operative treatment of a snapping scapula is reserved for refractory patients who do not respond to conservative treatment.Although open techniques have provided significant symptomatic relief, arthroscopic techniques have gained popularity in recent years, and promising outcomes have been reported.The aim of our study was to evaluate the surgical outcomes and complications of patients with symptomatic snapping scapula treated with scapulothoracic arthroscopy. Materials and Methods:Retrospective database scanning for patients with painful snapping scapula treated with the scapulathoracic arthroscopic approach between 2013 and 2022 was performed.Demographic information, clinical outcomes, and complication rates of the patients were reviewed.The QuickDASH, Constant-Murely, and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores were used to assess the pain and function levels preoperatively and at the final follow-up.Results: Nineteen individuals who met the inclusion criteria were included; the average age of the patients was 3110 years.The study included 13 females and 6 males.At the final follow-up, five of the 19 patients reported no improvement after their operations.Although the remaining 14 patients were satisfied with the operation results, 4 patients continued to have pain, but to a lesser extent.A significant improvement was observed in the VAS, with a mean preoperative score of 70.9 and postoperative score of 22.4 (p<0.001).In addition, there was a significant improvement in the mean Quick-DASH Score and Constant-Murley Score From 4311.3 and 53.310.2 to 16.317.7(p<0.001) and 75.917.2(p<0.001),respectively.Four patients had depressed fractures in the infraspinatus fossa of the scapula that did not require additional treatment. Conclusion:Arthroscopy for snapping of the scapula is an effective, reproducible, and safe procedure.Simple depression fractures of the infraspinatus fossa of the scapula can occur during arthroscopy, especially when performed by less experienced surgeons.These fractures require no additional treatment and do not adversely affect surgical outcomes.