Surgical Excision of a Rare Ventral Scapular Osteochondroma using the Prone "Chicken-Wing" Position: A Case Report.
This case report describes complete posterior surgical excision of a ventral scapular osteochondroma in a 10-year-old boy positioned prone in a "chicken-wing" configuration, with reported relief of mechanical symptoms and excellent functional recovery.
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This case report describes complete posterior surgical excision of a ventral scapular osteochondroma in a 10-year-old boy positioned prone in a "chicken-wing" configuration, with reported relief of mechanical symptoms and excellent functional recovery.
Research significance
The reported case supports that complete excision can relieve symptoms caused by mechanical scapulothoracic impingement; it is plausible, but not established, that the prone "chicken-wing" position improves surgical exposure or safety compared with other approaches.
Source abstract
INTRODUCTION: Ventromedial scapular osteochondroma is an uncommon cause of scapulothoracic impingement and "pseudo-winging." Its deep anatomical location often leads to delayed diagnosis, particularly when symptoms mimic snapping scapula syndrome. CASE REPORT: A 10-year-old boy presented with a 2-month history of left upper back pain and difficulty wearing a school backpack. Examination revealed terminal restriction of shoulder motion and medial scapular pseudo-winging. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a 3.5 × 2.2 cm osteochondral lesion arising from the ventral surface of the left scapula. The lesion was completely excised through a posterior approach with the patient in a prone "chicken-wing" position. CONCLUSION: Optimal patient positioning is critical for safe surgical clearance of ventral scapular tumors. Complete excision leads to immediate relief of mechanical symptoms and excellent functional recovery.