Ultrasound Evaluation and Guided Injection of the Subscapularis and Serratus Anterior Muscles Between the Scapula and the Thoracic Cage: A Technical Note

J Ultrasound Med. 2024 Jul;43(7):1353-1357. doi: 10.1002/jum.16459. Epub 2024 Apr 5.

Abstract

Most subscapularis and serratus anterior muscles lie between the scapula and the thoracic cage. Evaluation of this area in patients with scapulothoracic dyskinesis, snapping scapular syndrome, or interscapular pain can provide valuable information to clinicians. However, ultrasound scanning of pathologies in this area is hindered by anatomical limitations. In this study, we described a simple patient setup position and scanning method for ultrasound evaluation and guided intervention of the subscapularis and serratus anterior muscles between the scapula and thoracic cage.

Keywords: serratus anterior; sonoanatomy; subscapularis; ultrasound‐guided injection; ventral scapula.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Injections, Intramuscular / methods
  • Muscle, Skeletal / diagnostic imaging
  • Patient Positioning / methods
  • Scapula* / diagnostic imaging
  • Ultrasonography, Interventional* / methods