Positioning and portals for endoscopic resection of scapular osteochondroma

Abstract

A new method for endoscopic resection of scapular osteochondroma is presented. The procedure uses two working portals medial to the vertebral border of the scapula and a special positioning that the authors call “chicken wing”. The paper presents the technique in a case of scapular osteochondroma with pseudo-winging and snapping scapula. Endoscopic inspection and work through two medial portals allows the approach and the resection of the root of the mass with a burr. This technique allows complete removal of the tumor. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. The histology of the lesion confirmed the clinical diagnosis of osteochondroma. The pseudo-winging malformation and “clunking” disappeared after the operation. The patient regained full pain-free motion of the shoulder within 2 weeks. After 3 weeks, the patient was able to resume recreational activities. The technique described is convenient and safe for excision of a scapular osteochondroma near the medial margin. This short-time procedure is minimally invasive, allowing early functional recovery and better cosmetic outcome.