Relevance of Scapulothoracic joint assessment for unknown shoulder pain

Abstract

The scapulothoracic joint (STJ) is one of the four joints forming the shoulder complex with the glenohumeral, acromioclavicular, and sternoclavicular. Abnormal motion of the scapula during shoulder movement is defined as scapular dyskinesia a distinct entity in the orthopedic literature as a source of posterior shoulder pain. Several acute and chronic conditions affecting one or more of the joints of the shoulder complex can result in disorders of the scapular motion. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the anatomy and function of the STJ, to describe the MRI features of the internal derangements of this articulation including scapulothoracic bursitis (or snapping scapula syndrome), elastofibroma dorsi, and other tumor and tumor-like lesions.