title: Functional Outcomes After Arthroscopic Scapulothoracic Bursectomy and Partial Superomedial Angle Scapulectomy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Arthroscopic scapulothoracic bursectomy with partial superomedial angle scapulectomy has been described as a treatment for persistent scapulothoracic bursitis with varying results.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate patients after arthroscopic scapulothoracic bursectomy utilizing validated functional outcome instruments.
  
  
  METHODS
  Case series.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifteen patients underwent arthroscopic scapulothoracic bursectomy and partial superomedial angle scapulectomy. Thirteen patients were available for review at a mean 27-month follow-up (range, 13-65 months). Patients were evaluated preoperatively with a history, physical examination evaluating medial scapula border tenderness and crepitus, pain visual analog scale (VAS) score, and the simple shoulder test (SST). Postoperatively, patients were evaluated with all preoperative questionnaires as well as a satisfaction survey and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score.
  
  
  RESULTS
  SST scores improved significantly from a mean 7.7 ± 3.1 preoperatively to 10.3 ± 2.3 postoperatively (P = .03). VAS pain scores reduced significantly from 6.5 ± 2.2 preoperatively to 2.3 ± 2.4 postoperatively (P < .001). Ninety-two percent (12/13) of patients were satisfied, and 92% (12/13) stated they would have the surgical procedure performed again. The mean ASES postoperative score was 80.1 (range, 38-100). The 2 clinical failures (ASES scores <50) had either a workers' compensation claim with persistent medial border tenderness or ongoing rotator cuff disease. Despite lower ASES scores, these patients were still satisfied with the procedure and would undergo it again.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Arthroscopic scapulothoracic bursectomy with partial superomedial angle scapulectomy provides significant improvements in pain and functional outcomes. Even in patients at risk for poorer clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction and willingness to undergo the surgical procedure again was still high.
authors.affiliation: The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
authors.forename: Robert Z
authors.initials: RZ
authors.lastname: Tashjian
authors.affiliation: The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
authors.forename: Erin K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Granger
authors.affiliation: The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
authors.forename: Jacob K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Barney
authors.affiliation: The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
authors.forename: Deveree R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Partridge
keywords: arthroscopic; scapulectomy; scapulothoracic bursitis