SAD DCR Debridement
SAD DCR Debridement in San Antonio, TX
If snapping and pain at your shoulder blade continue after therapy, activity changes and injections, a procedure may be considered. This page explains the treatment options for the condition described on the Snapping Scapula Syndrome page.
Travis C. Burns, MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in San Antonio, TX, evaluates shoulder and shoulder blade problems at his Medical Center, Alamo Heights and Westover Hills offices. Dr. Burns specializes in arthroscopic and open shoulder procedures, and he reviews your symptoms, exam and imaging before discussing whether treatment beyond therapy is likely to help you.
What Is Snapping Scapula Treatment?
Snapping scapula treatment is care aimed at the source of friction between your shoulder blade and chest wall, starting with nonsurgical measures and moving to surgery only if needed. Nonsurgical care includes posture work, strengthening of the muscles around your shoulder blade, anti-inflammatory measures and injections. When these do not settle your symptoms, surgery may target the structure causing friction, such as an inflamed bursa or a bony bump on the shoulder blade.
For information on causes, symptoms and diagnosis, see Snapping Scapula Syndrome. This condition is also separate from scapular winging.
What Are the Benefits of Snapping Scapula Treatment?
If you are an appropriate candidate, treatment may offer potential benefits:
- Pain relief: Removing the source of friction may reduce shoulder blade pain.
- Smoother motion: Less friction may improve how your shoulder blade glides.
- Better activity tolerance: Overhead and repetitive tasks may become more comfortable.
- Minimally invasive approach: Surgery is often performed arthroscopically.
Your benefits depend on your condition and the underlying cause.
Who Needs Snapping Scapula Treatment?
You may be a candidate for surgical treatment when your symptoms continue despite adequate nonsurgical care. Situations may include:
- Persistent pain and snapping despite months of therapy
- Imaging that shows a bony prominence or a thickened bursa
- Limited relief from injections
- Pain that limits your sport, work or daily activity
- A confirmed source of friction after a careful workup
Not every case requires surgery. Many patients improve with strengthening and posture work, and Dr. Burns can discuss the options with you.
What Does Preparation for Snapping Scapula Treatment Involve?
Preparation includes a careful exam and imaging, and sometimes a diagnostic injection to confirm the source of your pain. You and your surgeon will discuss your goals and expectations. You will receive instructions about medications and the day of surgery, as outlined in the Preoperative Instructions.
How Is Snapping Scapula Treatment Performed?
Surgery is often performed arthroscopically, similar to the approach on the Shoulder Arthroscopy page, using small incisions near your shoulder blade. A small camera and instruments are used to view the space between the shoulder blade and chest wall.
The inflamed bursa is removed, and if there is a bony bump, a portion of bone at the upper inner corner of the shoulder blade may be trimmed. Nearby tissue is checked and the incisions are closed. The exact approach depends on the cause of your symptoms and is discussed with you before surgery.
What to Expect During Recovery After Snapping Scapula Treatment?
The First Weeks
Soreness is common, and pain medication is typically provided. A sling may be used for comfort for a brief time, and early motion is often encouraged. See the Postoperative Instructions.
The Following Months
Physical therapy restores your motion and strengthens the muscles that control your shoulder blade. Improvement may be gradual, and some soreness near the muscles can last for a time. See the Physical Therapy Protocols page.
Returning to Activity
Return to sports and heavy work varies by patient and depends on your healing, strength and comfort. Your surgeon will guide you through each stage.
What Are the Risks and Complications of Snapping Scapula Treatment?
As with any surgery, there are potential risks. Possible risks and complications include:
- Infection
- Stiffness or loss of motion
- Bleeding or fluid collection
- Nerve injury, which may cause numbness or weakness
- Persistent or recurring pain or snapping
- Winging of the shoulder blade
- Complications related to anesthesia
Your surgeon can discuss these risks and how they apply to you based on your individual condition, health and activity goals.
Why Choose Dr. Burns for Snapping Scapula Treatment in San Antonio, TX?
Travis C. Burns, MD is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty fellowship training in orthopedic sports medicine through the John A. Feagin, Jr. Sports Medicine Fellowship. His practice centers on arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder, hip and knee, which is helpful for problems involving the shoulder blade and surrounding structures.
Dr. Burns previously served as Chief of Sports Medicine at San Antonio Military Medical Center, where his clinical focus was complex shoulder, hip and knee injuries. He has been active in research and academic medicine, including more than 35 peer-reviewed publications. You can meet with him at the Medical Center, Alamo Heights or Westover Hills office, depending on what is most convenient for you.
Snapping Scapula Treatment FAQs
What is snapping scapula treatment?
Snapping scapula treatment is care that reduces friction between your shoulder blade and chest wall, starting with therapy and injections and, if needed, surgery to remove an inflamed bursa or trim a bony bump.
How is this different from Snapping Scapula Syndrome?
Snapping Scapula Syndrome is the condition itself. This page covers the treatment options, including when surgery is considered.
Is surgery the first treatment?
No. Therapy, activity changes and injections are usually tried first, and surgery is considered when they have not helped enough.
Will the snapping go away completely?
Not always. Many patients notice less pain and snapping, but some still notice some noise, and results vary with the cause.
How long is recovery?
Usually weeks to months. Your timeline depends on the procedure and your progress in therapy, and your surgeon will outline what to expect.
Snapping Scapula Treatment in San Antonio, TX
If shoulder blade snapping and pain have not improved with care, an evaluation can help you decide on next steps. Request an appointment in San Antonio with Dr. Burns at the Medical Center, Alamo Heights or Westover Hills office to discuss your snapping scapula treatment options. You can call (210) 705-5060 to schedule a visit.
