Right Scapula Pain Causes and Diagnosis

Musculoskeletal Causes

Rotator cuff pathology, including tears, tendinopathy, or dysfunction, can refer pain to the scapular region, particularly during throwing motion release and deceleration phases, as noted by the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 1
Scapular fractures can be easily missed on conventional radiography, but CT is the best imaging modality for identifying and characterizing scapula fracture patterns, according to the American College of Radiology 2

Cervical radiculopathy, or nerve root compression in the cervical spine, can refer pain to the scapular region, as reported in the medical literature 3

Direct trauma, such as falls or impacts directly onto the shoulder, can cause scapular injuries, as summarized by medical guidelines 4
Scapula fractures may require surgical fixation, especially when involving the glenoid neck, as recommended by the American College of Radiology 2

Adults over 40 are more likely to experience rotator cuff tears due to normal wear and tear, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 5
Young throwers are predisposed to atraumatic microinstability of the glenohumeral joint and weak rotator cuff muscles, as noted by the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 1

Physical examination should assess for focal weakness, decreased range of motion during abduction with external or internal rotation, and tenderness to palpation, as recommended by the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 1
Imaging modalities, including radiography, CT, MRI, and ultrasound, have specific roles in evaluating scapular fractures and soft tissue injuries, such as rotator cuff pathology, as outlined by the American College of Radiology and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 2, 5