Scapulothoracic bursitis in a patient with quadriparesis: a case report

Models of care for musculoskeletal shoulder pain in spinal cord injury: A scoping review

CONTEXT

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a neurological condition that significantly impacts a person's lifestyle, health and well-being. Many individuals with SCI experience secondary musculoskeletal shoulder pain. This scoping review examines the current research on the diagnosis and management of shoulder pain in SCI.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this Scoping Review was (1) to chart peer-reviewed literature regarding the diagnosis and management of shoulder pain as it relates to SCI and (2) identify gaps in this body of literature to inform future research priorities.

METHODS

Six electronic databases were searched from inception until April 2022. In addition, reviewers scanned the reference lists of identified articles. Articles from peer-reviewed sources that reported diagnostic or management procedures for musculoskeletal shoulder conditions within the SCI population were considered and 1679 articles were identified. Title and abstract screening, full text review, and data extraction were undertaken by two independent reviewers.

RESULTS

Eighty seven articles were included, covering diagnosis or management of shoulder pain in SCI.

CONCLUSION

Whilst the most commonly reported diagnostic procedures and management strategies reflect contemporary practice for shoulder pain, the entire body of literature demonstrates inconsistencies in methodologies. In places, the literature continues to perceive value in procedures inconsistent with best practice. These findings encourage researchers to pursue the development of robust models of care for musculoskeletal shoulder pain in SCI using a collaborative and integrated approach, combining best practice for musculoskeletal shoulder pain alongside clinical expertise in the management of SCI.

Bilateral cystic lesions of the chest wall: Presentation of scapulothoracic bursitis

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Rare case of bilateral scapulothoracic bursitis.

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Collections verified by magnetic resonance.

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Open surgical resection with good result.

Introduction

Scapulothoracic articulation has several bursae which allow a sliding movement of the scapulothoracic joint. The two major anatomical bursae are the supraserratus bursa and infraserratus bursa.

Presentation of Case

It was a case of a 59 year-old female patient with a professional load and a clinical finding of bilateral subscapular resistances of the thorax. The finding of bilateral collections in the intermuscular spaces between external intercostal muscles and heads of serratus anterior muscle was verified by magnetic resonance.

Conclusion

Due to progressively increasing bilateral findings an open surgical resection was implemented, with good result.

Scapulothoracic pathology: review of anatomy, pathophysiology, imaging findings, and an approach to management

Symptomatic scapulothoracic disorders, including scapulothoracic crepitus and scapulothoracic bursitis are uncommon disorders involving the scapulothoracic articulation that have the potential to cause significant patient morbidity. Scapulothoracic crepitus is the presence of a grinding or popping sound with movement of the scapula that may or may not be symptomatic, while scapulothoracic bursitis refers to inflammation of bursa within the scapulothoracic articulation. Both entities may occur either concomitantly or independently. Nonetheless, the constellation of symptoms manifested by both entities has been referred to as the snapping scapula syndrome. Various causes of scapulothoracic crepitus include bursitis, variable scapular morphology, post-surgical or post-traumatic changes, osseous and soft tissue masses, scapular dyskinesis, and postural defects. Imaging is an important adjunct to the physical examination for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment management. Non-operative management such as physical therapy and local injection can be effective for symptoms secondary to scapular dyskinesis or benign, non-osseous lesions. Surgical treatment is utilized for osseous lesions, or if non-operative management for bursitis has failed. Open, arthroscopic, or combined methods have been performed with good clinical outcomes.