Arthroscopic partial resection of the scapula for snapping scapula: A new technique

We describe a new method of arthroscopic bony surgery to the superomedial c orner of the scapula in patients with painful snapping caused by bony impin gement. 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 pr ocedure 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 advantag es of this technique are in cosmesis and early rehabilitation, and the earl y results are good. Provided due care is taken in portal placement, complic ations should be minimal. Three-dimensional reconstruction computed tomogra phy scanning may be useful in some patients to show narrowing between the s uperomedial corner and the chest wall, but we cannot at present recommend i ts routine use.