Investigation of scapula morphology associated with snapping scapula syndrome

One common cause of pain in the Turkish community is the movement of the scapulothoracic joint. Various anatomical variations can lead to this joint movement, producing crepitations and developing into Snapping Scapula Syndrome (SSS). The aim of our study is to conduct preliminary research to determine the incidence of SSS within the Turkish community. We will achieve this by analyzing numerical data related to the bony anomalies associated with SSS, based on measurements taken from dry scapulae. Our goal is to provide valuable data that can assist expert clinicians in planning surgical treatments. In this study, 79 scapulae of unknown age and gender from the Department of Anatomy laboratory were examined. The superomedial angles of the scapulae were measured using a finger goniometer. The inclination and neck angles of the coracoid process were assessed with a universal goniometer. Additionally, the superior and inferior thicknesses of the scapulae, as well as the depths of their costal surfaces, were measured using a metric caliper. The lengths of the scapulae were recorded with a compass and ruler. Each measurement was taken three times by the same person, and the average values were calculated. The study also involved calculating the mathematical ratio of the depths of the scapulae to their lengths. The scapulae were classified according to the Graves classification system, and a visual evaluation was conducted to check for the presence of the tubercle of Luschka and the teres major process. The mean superomedial angle of the scapulae was 98.77 degrees, while the inclination angle of the coracoid process was 131.5 degrees, and the neck angle of the coracoid process was also 98.77 degrees. The mean thickness at the superior tip was 4.06 mm, at the inferior tip was 7.4 mm, and the depth of the costal surface was 18.02 mm. The average length of the scapulae was 148.54 cm, resulting in a depth-to-length ratio of 0.2. Among the scapulae, 26.5% were classified as straight, 62% as convex, and 11.3% as concave. The presence of the teres major muscle was observed in 8.8% of the scapulae, while the tubercle of Luschka was noted in 2.5%. When compared to data from other societies in the literature, it appears that the superomedial angle of the scapula and the inclination angle of the coracoid process are particularly susceptible to snapping scapula syndrome (SSS) in the Turkish population. This study provides measurements of scapular parameters that have not been previously assessed in the Turkish community.