Abstract
Background: Exostosis of the scapula can arise at both the dorsal side and the ventral side of the scapula. Exostosis of the dorsal side causes cosmetic problems and local pain. On the other hand, the ventral side tumor causes a winging of the scapula, an eccentric movement (grinding) and pain. There are several reports of the surgical treatment for exostosis of the scapula. We retrospectively reviewed exostosis of the scapula.
Methods: Subjects were twenty-four shoulders of fifteen patients with exostoses, who visited our hospital from 1988 to 2011. We evaluated the following items; location of the tumor, symptoms and treatment. For surgical cases, surgical procedures, follow up period and clinical result were added.
Results: Of the twenty-four shoulders, exostosis was on the ventral side in fourteen shoulders and the dorsal side in ten. Four shoulders of the ventral side and two of the dorsal side were symptomatic cases, and treated by surgical resection. Three of four complained of grinding of the scapulothoracic articulation, and it was improved by surgical treatment. In the grinding cases, the tumor was located on the medial site of the scapula. We tried arthroscopic resection for the medial ventral exostosis in the scapulothoracic articulation, however, we could not completely remove it, because of our unskilled techniques.
Conclusion: Grinding at the scapulothoracic articulation, which was related to the tumor location, was successfully treated by surgical resection. Arthroscopic surgery of the scapulothoracic articulation may be helpful for resection of exostosis on the ventral side of the scapula.
