Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: October 14, 2025 • View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for Deep Scapula Pain Following a Car Wreck

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Musculoskeletal strain or sprain (M54.9): This is the most likely diagnosis given the history of a car wreck, which can cause direct trauma or sudden movement leading to strain or sprain of the muscles and ligaments around the scapula.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Thoracic outlet syndrome (G54.0): The trauma from the car wreck could lead to compression or irritation of the nerves and blood vessels that pass through the thoracic outlet, causing pain in the scapular region.
  • Costochondritis (M94.1): Inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum could be caused by the trauma, leading to pain that might be referred to the scapular area.
  • Myofascial pain syndrome (M79.1): This condition, characterized by pain and inflammation of the muscles and their surrounding connective tissue, could be triggered by the physical stress of the car wreck.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Pulmonary embolism (I26.9): Although less likely, a pulmonary embolism could present with sudden onset of chest or back pain and must be considered, especially if there are risk factors such as prolonged immobilization following the accident.
  • Aortic dissection (I71.0): This is a life-threatening condition where there is a tear in the aorta's inner layer. It can present with severe, sudden pain in the chest or back and is crucial to diagnose promptly.
  • Spinal fracture or injury (S32.0): The force of the car wreck could have caused a fracture or other injury to the spine, which needs to be ruled out due to the potential for serious complications.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Tumor (C79.7): Although rare, it's possible that the pain could be related to a tumor affecting the scapula or surrounding structures. This would be an unlikely first consideration without other supporting symptoms or findings.
  • Osteomyelitis (M86.9): Infection of the bone is a rare possibility, especially if there was an open wound or other infection risk following the accident.
  • Pancreatitis (K85.9): Referred pain from pancreatitis could potentially be felt in the back, including the scapular area, though this would be unusual without other abdominal symptoms.

Related Questions

What is the expected recovery process for a 14-year-old boy undergoing septoplasty, endoscopic partial bilateral maxillary antrostomy (EMA) with possible debridement, bilateral ethmoidectomy, bilateral frontal sphenoid sinusotomy, bilateral inferior turbinate reduction with submucosal resection, and adenoidectomy?
Is it safe to increase the dose of Vraylar (cariprazine) from 1.5mg to 3mg?
What is the management approach for patients presenting with Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) symptoms, such as neuropathy?
What are the options for antibiotic therapy for preseptal cellulitis?
What antibiotic treatment is recommended for a patient with a foot amputation and diabetes presenting with foot inflammation?
What is the treatment for blunt eye trauma in a child with swelling, vision impairment, and blurred vision?

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.

Ask Question