Snapping Scapula Syndrome in the Military

Snapping scapula syndrome is a rare condition that presents with symptoms ranging from crepitus to disabling pain in the scapulothoracic articulation. This condition may be more frequent in a military population because of physical fitness standards that require nonphysiologic forces to be applied to the scapulothoracic articulation. Nonoperative therapy is the first-line management. Surgical options include arthroscopic or open scapulothoracic bursectomy with or without partial scapulectomy. After scapulothoracic arthroscopy up to 90% of patients report good/excellent results, up to 90% are able to return to work, and more than 60% return to sports.