Do Scapular Implants Widen The Shoulders?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I was told that implants can be added to the scapula to assist in shoulder broadening. I am curious about the mechanics of this.

Is the implant placed under the cartilage at the shoulder joint, meaning that the humerus will attach farther out from the body, or is it merely placed at the acromion and broadens the shoulder from above the joint?

Both, neither? Does it have any long term impact on shoulder function? I’m curious to know a little bit more about this procedure.

A: I am not certain where your information comes from about scapular implants as they do not have an effect on shoulder widening per se. They are placed in the subscapular fossa underneath the posterior deltoid, teres and infraspinatus muscles. Their purpose is to augment the fullness to the posterior shoulder area not to widen it.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana