Clinical and Laboratory Assessments of the Scapula: A Review Article

Proper scapular position is essential during upper limb movements. Improper positioning of this bone can play a role in the development of shoulder dysfunction and consequent pain. Therefore, knowledge about the methods of assessing the scapular position is an important issue. The aim of this study was to review the clinical and laboratory evaluation methods of scapula in different studies.

All studies in English language that were related to scapular position assessment methods from 1995 to 2020 were searched in Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct with the keywords Scapular kinematics, Scapular position, Scapular orientation, Clinical assessment, Evaluation, Assess, Measure, and Shoulder. Inclusion criteria were studies in which clinical or laboratory methods were used to assess the static or dynamic scapular position.

A total of 29 studies were found; 14 studies were related to clinical methods of scapular assessment, and 15 studies were related to laboratory methods of scapular assessment. These methods were introduced and explained in the present study. Also, the reliability, advantages and disadvantages of each method was described.

Based on the findings of this study, each of the methods of clinical and laboratory evaluation of the scapula has different applications as well as advantages and disadvantages; Therefore, one of the above methods cannot be introduced as the best method of scapular bone evaluation. It is suggested that the choice of scapular evaluation method be based on the purpose of the study, available facilities, and attention to the strengths and weaknesses of each of the mentioned methods.