Purpose
This study aimed to evaluate a clinical application of a new patient positioning for scapulothoracic arthroscopy.
Methods
Nine scapulothoracic arthroscopies were performed from 2004 to 2012; two were cases of osteochondroma and seven were cases of snapping scapula syndrome. All of the surgeries were completed in the “chicken-wing” position with a pad placed under the shoulder to increase the scapulothoracic space. The average follow-up was 41 months. Statistical analysis was performed using the Student's t test (t).
Results
In both cases of osteochondroma, improvement was seen using the visual analogue pain scale; pain decreased from 4.5 to 0. In addition, patients were able to resume sporting activities after an average of 2 months. The seven snapping scapula syndrome cases showed improvement as measured by the visual analogue pain scale; pain decreased from 7.7 to 0.6. According to the University of California, Los Angeles scale, we obtained five excellent cases and two good cases.
Conclusion
Scapulothoracic joint arthroscopy was an effective treatment for scapulothoracic disorders when the chicken-wing position with a pad placed under the shoulder allowed adequate visibility and space to access the scapulothoracic joint and use of the portal at the superomedial angle of the scapula.