Elastofibroma, a Rare Cause of Snapping Scapula Syndrome
Ilan Cohen, Yehuda Kolender, Josephine Isakov, Aaron Chechick, Yitzhak Meller
Dept. of Orthopedic Surgery, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer and Depts. of Orthopedic Oncology and Pathology, Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv
Scapular pain is a common complaint in daily orthopedic practice. A different type of scapular discomfort, the snapping scapula syndrome that occurs when smooth gliding motion of the scapula upon the chest wall is interfered with is much less common.
We studied the syndrome of periscapular pain and discomfort, and present a rare etiology: elastofibroma dorsi, a unique, benign, soft tissue-tumor with unique characteristics.
Elastofibroma appears deep to the lower scapular pole, is often bilateral, and consists of a mixture of collagen, elastic fibers and fibroblasts. We present 6 cases, in 3 men and 3 women aged 51-65.