[The snapping scapula as a sympton of a tumor in the scapulothoracic region].

INTRODUCTION: The snapping scapula syndrome is a grating sensation located in the scapulothoracic region that appears with movement.This sign is occasionally related to tumors.

OBJECTIVE: To show the high incidence of this relationship (clinical sign-tumor), and to be aware of it when performing a differential diagnosis.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: Retrospective study of the elastofibromas dorsi (ED) and scapular osteochondromas (SO), which may have presented with the sign under study in our center over the last 17 years (1993-2009). Thirty-seven ED and 6 SO were identified. The series was divided into group A (ED) and group B (SO). Mean follow-up was 7 years. The cohorts are made up of 23 women and 4 men with a mean age of 57 years (42-78) in group A, there were 2 women and 4 men with a mean age of 20 years (11-28) in group B. Action was taken to identify the initial medical sign at diagnosis, the treatment carried out, and the outcome.

RESULTS: Around 21% of these tumors are reported to be associated with physical activity. The initial symptom was a painful mass in 81% of the patients, followed by a scapular snapping or clicking in 30 out of the 43 patients (70%). The treatment of choice was resection in both groups. A noticeable improvement in terms of pain was seen (VAS 7.5 preoperatively, 2.8 postoperatively).

CONCLUSION: The presence of snapping scapula has a strong relationship to tumors of the scapulothoracic region. Therefore it is important to be aware of this.