Abstract
The stiffness of the shoulder can result of many illness. Nevertheless, we observed a severe stiffness of the scapulo thoracic space only in fibromatosis. To precise the real diagnostic value of this symptom, we examined patients with different diseases of shoulder (tumoral and non tumoral).
The passive mobility of the shoulder of 11 patients with peri-scapular fibromatosis was compared to the mobility of those in 50 patients with non tumoral diseases of shoulder (arthritis and rotator cuff pathology), 50 peri-scapular soft tissues tumours, and 100 patients with primitive or secondary malignancies of humerus or scapula.
Results: in 10 of 11 patients with peri-scapular fibromatosis, the passive mobility of the scapulo thoracic spacewas severely impaired (less than 20°). In non tumoral pathology of shoulder, the passive mobility of the shoulder is frequently impaired but the stiffness hangs only on scapulo humeral articulation. In metastases, sarcoma and soft tissue tumour (except fibromatosis) the passive mobility of the scapulo-humeral joint is usually preserved and the mobility of the scapulothoracic space is always normal even in very huge tumours.
After treatment of fibromatosis, 9/11 patients are in complete remission and the mobility of their scapulo thoracic space restored. 2 patients are in stable disease and one suffers of a residual stiffness of the scapulothoracic space.
We conclude that the frozen scapulo thoracic is a specific symptom of peri scapulo thoracic fibromatosis. The restoration of the mobility of the scapulo thoracic after cure of the desmoid tumour confirms its specific role and represents a good marker of the tumoral evolution.
Correspondence should be addressed to Professor Stefan Bielack, Olgahospital, Klinikum Stuttgart, Bismarkstrasse 8, D-70176 Stuttgart, Germany. Email: s.bielack@klinikum_stuttgart.de
