Two-Year Outcomes following Arthroscopic Treatment for Snapping Scapula Syndrome

Objectives: Snapping scapula syndrome is a rare cause of shoulder pain that can result in significant dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to report clinical outcomes following arthroscopic treatment for snapping scapula syndrome, as well as identify associated risk factors that affect outcomes.

Methods: One-hundred patients underwent arthroscopic treatment for snapping scapula syndrome from October 2005 to October 2013. This was an IRB-approved retrospective outcomes study with prospectively collected data. Patients were excluded if they had prior scapula or rib surgeries, or concomitant sternoclavicular or glenohumeral reconstructive procedures. Patients included in this study failed non-operative modalities for mechanical symptoms of snapping scapula and reported symptomatic relief from a local anesthetic injection prior to surgery. Preoperative and postoperative pain and functioning levels were assessed with the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), QuickDASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand), and general health SF-12 including both physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) components. Patient satisfaction was recorded on a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS). Results: There were 86 scapulae in 79 patients that met inclusion criteria. Mean age at time of surgery was 33 years old (range 12-65). A partial scapulectomy and bursectomy was performed in 79 scapulae, with 7 having bursectomy alone. Mean duration from onset of symptoms to surgery was 3.8 years (range 90 days-16.6 years). One patient died in the follow-up period from unrelated causes, and 6 patients refused to participate. Of the remaining 72 scapula, 8/72 (11%) failed and underwent a revision procedure at a mean of 309 days (SD+283 days). Of those that met inclusion criteria and did not require revision surgery, 86% (55/64) returned surveys with a mean follow-up of 3.4 years (range 2-7 years). There was a significant improvement following surgery in SF-12 PCS (p<0.001), SF-12 MCS (p=0.043), ASES (p<0.001), and QuickDASH (p=0.001) scores. Overall, median patient satisfaction was 7 out of 10 (range 1 to 10). Increasing age correlated with decreased postoperative SF-12 PCS (r= -.372;p=0.007), ASES (r= .279;p=0.043), and QuickDASH (r=.350;p=0.011) scores, while gender was not found to be associated with outcomes. A lower preoperative SF-12 MCS score was found to correlate with lower postoperative ASES scores (r=.395;p=0.011), while longer duration of symptoms prior to surgery also correlated with lower postoperative ASES (rho=-.296; p=0.027) and QuickDASH (rho=.315;p=0.019) scores.

Conclusion: Arthroscopic surgery is an effective treatment for individuals that have failed conservative management for snapping scapula syndrome, demonstrating significant improvements in all postoperative outcome scores at a mean of 3.4 years. Lower preoperative mental status score, greater age, and longer duration of symptoms prior to surgery were associated with poorer outcomes.

Full Article: Two-Year Outcomes following Arthroscopic Treatment for Snapping Scapula Syndrome

Peter Millett, MD

Average rating:

39 reviews

Alexandra Thompson

Mar 23, 2024

by Alexandra Thompson on Peter Millett, MD

110%

Dr. Millett and his team did a SLAP tear repair and bicep tenodesis on my left shoulder. I use my arms as an artist, and love to swim in the ocean, surf, paddle, and telemark ski. So regaining full use of my shoulder and keeping my bicep attached was very important to me. Now, over two years later, my shoulder has the equivalent range of motion as my other arm and as before the injury, and no pain. After the first three months it felt so good and was so strong that - to my horror - I completely forgot my six-month follow-up.

Not only did Dr. Millett and his team make my arm as good as new, but having had the experience of such kindness and expertise throughout the process of surgery and recovery is like an added shoulder superpower.

Thank you Rita, Brooke, Jason, Sarah, Camille, Olivia, Dr. Millett and everyone! And see you soon when my husband comes in for his knee...

Jeff Chandler

Jan 31, 2022

by Jeff Chandler on Peter Millett, MD

Flawless procedure, Easy recovery

Dr. Millet's repaired my knee and tibia, following a botched operation by a different surgeon. That procedure was virtually pain free and I was weight bearing within a few days. That was 18 years ago and the knee is still strong. A few years after the knee incident, Dr Millet repaired my shoulder. My insurance company approved me for 3 months of disability following that surgery. I was off pain medication in 2 days and had 90% range of motion within a week. I withdrew my disability claim and returned to work within two weeks of surgery. I’m not a famous athlete—just a regular guy. Nonetheless, I was treated like an NFL at the Steadman clinic. Most notable was the time for recovery. Other surgeons perform their hour-long task in the OR and don’t involve themselves in the other functions. Peter and his team manages the entire process from diagnosis, anesthesia, nursing care, and therapy. He takes a holistic approach to patient care and doesn’t skip any steps.

Jenn West

Jul 2, 2021

by Jenn West on Peter Millett, MD

Saved My Life

I went to Dr. Millett after 7 knee surgeries (6 on my right and 1 on my left) and had seen 11 different surgeons who all refused to remove femur metal from my right leg. I am highly allergic to metal and the chronic pain was leaving me bedridden for 3.5wks out of a month. He personally wrote me back on my inquiry, listened to my concerns, scheduled my surgery within a week (due to insurance issues) and personally followed up with my recovery. The level of patient care from Dr. Millett and his ENTIRE team is above any care I have ever received in my 20 years of dealing with orthopedic surgeons. There are not enough words to describe the level of care, dedication and professionalism you receive from Dr. Millett and his staff.
My only disappointment is that I did not find him sooner!!!

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Two-Year Outcomes following Arthroscopic Treatment for Snapping Scapula Syndrome

About the Author: Peter Millett, MD