Scapular foramina

Abstract

Although foramina in the scapula are a rare occurrence, they produce radiolucent defects that simulate those related to skeletal metastasis or multiple myeloma. In order to define the typical location and appearance of these foramina, we initiated a radiographic and pathologic examination of macerated modern and ancient scapulae. Of 93 macerated scapulae that were examined, foramina were observed in 27 specimens (29%). These occurred at four sites: at the superior border of the bone at its junction with the coracoid process, caused by ossification of the superior transverse ligament (21 specimens); in the body of the bone inferior to the scapular spine, resulting from a disturbance in ossification during fetal development (five specimens); in the superior fossa, as a clasp-like defect (one specimen); and, at the superomedial border above the scapular spine (one specimen). The radiographic features of these foramina were compared to those produced by normal vascular channels, anatomic thinning of the bone, and skeletal metastasis or multiple myeloma. Knowledge of the typical appearance and site of scapular foramina assures accurate diagnosis.

Iatrogenic pneumothorax: safety concerns when using acupuncture or dry needling in the thoracic region

“…Congenital foraminae in the infraspinous fossa of the scapula with diameters up to 2-5 mm have been described in 0.8-5.4% of individuals. 57,58 Such foramina have also been described in the supraspinous fossa. In 5-8% of individuals a congenital foramina exists due to incomplete ossification and fusion of the sternal plates which most commonly occur at the level of the fourth intercostals plate.…”

Slot-type fractures of the scapula at New Kingdom Tell El-Amarna, Egypt

“…The final type of scapular foramen results from a disturbance in ossification during fetal development (Vedder, 1963) and has only been described in the literature a few times (Fischer, 1957;Moltini and Caresno, 1985;Pate et al, 1985;Vedder, 1963;Walker and Perry, 2013;Zuppinger, 1935Pate et al, 1985Vedder, 1963;Walker and Perry, 2013;Zuppinger, 1935). These represent 18.5% of the scapular foramina identified in Pate et al sample.…”

“…The lesions are generally clustered near one another and have poor marginalization which gives the lesion margins a "Swiss-cheese" appearance (Pate et al, 1985). The lesions observed on these individuals are inconsistent with lesions diagnostic of lymphoma or other tumors resting near the bone, as they have sharply demarcated margins and do not exhibit the "Swiss-cheese" morphology.…”

“…These represent 18.5% of the scapular foramina identified in Pate et al sample. These lesions, found on the body of the scapula, are described as irregular in shape with tapered margins, varying in size from 3 to 35 mm (Pate et al, 1985). Excavations at the STC have produced at least four individuals with at least one scapular foramen.…”

Eficacia analgésica del tratamiento invasivo miofascial (punción seca) en fibromialgia

“…Por este motivo, se tuvo siempre en cuenta no profundizar más de 30 mm en dirección inferomedial al realizar la punción. Esta precaución es también útil para prevenir las complicaciones ocasionadas por la existencia de orificios en la escápula (Congenita foraminae) (241). En definitiva, aunque se ha descrito que entre el 0,8% y el 5,4% de la población puede presentar este problema con orificios de entre 2 y 5 mm, en nuestro caso la intervención no generó ninguna incidencia más allá de las derivadas del proceso (leve molestia y enrojecimiento).…”