A Posterolateral Approach to the Scapula for Evacuation of a Subscapular Abscess: A Case Report

JBJS Case Connect. 2017 Jul-Sep;7(3):e57. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.16.00241.

Abstract

Case: We present the case of a subscapular abscess that was drained via a posterolateral approach to the scapula. Complete evacuation of the abscess was achieved, and the incisions healed without difficulty. There were no immediate postoperative complications from this approach.

Conclusion: To our knowledge, a posterolateral approach for evacuating a subscapular abscess has not been described previously in the literature. Utilizing the internervous plane between the teres major and latissimus dorsi muscles, along with medial counterincisions, allows for safe drainage of this rare type of abscess.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abscess / drug therapy
  • Abscess / microbiology
  • Abscess / surgery*
  • Drainage / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Muscle, Skeletal / anatomy & histology*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / surgery
  • Scapula / anatomy & histology*
  • Scapula / diagnostic imaging
  • Scapula / pathology
  • Staphylococcus aureus / isolation & purification
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult