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What Causes An Indentation On Upper Back?

Posted on Mon, 26 May 2014

Question: My grandson is 15 years old and I noticed on his upper back fairly close to the spine I suppose over his right scapula about a 4 inch wide impression or dent if you will of irregular shape. It appears very odd. Any idea what it may be.

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Dont worry..it could be a positional one

Detailed Answer:
Hi.... Many thanks for consulting in Health Care Magic. It could be a muscular or tissue indentation. As you have not mentioned any pain or decreased range of movement around any joint...I don't think you should worry about it. But I would be extremely happy to clear your doubt 100% if you could upload a photo. Hope my answer was helpful for you. Happy to help anytime. Further clarifications and consultations on Health Care Magic are welcome.
Dr. Sumanth MBBS., DCH., DNB (Paed).

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (12 hours later)

Hello Dr XXXXXXX I have a attached a photo of the impression on my grandsons back. I know it is not postitional because it has been there for at least three weeks now. At first we thought maybe it was a bruise but it is and never was discolored. It is not painful either. I just want to be sure he does not have something effecting the muscle and it is not wasting away. Very odd to me and everyone else who has seen it. Any thoughts other than the obvious would be great. Thank you for your time. I do not want to have paid for an opinion that I have not already considered. Like postitional, injury he has not had, etc. I just want to know what doctor he should see that could address this odd imprint in his back. the photo does not show all characteristics. By the way the reddish appearances in photo is just the photo itself his back is very clear and pale with no bruises of any kind. I look forward to hearing from you.

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (47 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
1st option: Neurologist; 2nd option: Plastic surgeon

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX I thank you for your trust in me & also for uploading the photo. It seems like a muscular indentation in the subscapular or below the right scapular region. As you have rightly suspected it could be a wasting. But common things 1st...this usually occurs after an abscess is drained & healed over a muscular area. Coming to your query as to which Dr to consult... I suggest you see a neurologist first & if everything is ruled out neurologically (as its near spine in right paraspinal region), I suggest you consult a plastic surgeon if you feel its cosmetically important for him during swimming etc...as he's an adolescent. Hope my answer was helpful for you. Happy to help anytime. Further clarifications and consultations on Health Care Magic are welcome.
Dr. Sumanth MBBS., DCH., DNB (Paed)

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj