Scapular winging is diagnosed easily by visible inspection of the scapula, but its etiology is often more illusive. Medial winging due to serratus anterior paralysis is accentuated when patients are asked to forward flex their arms to the horizontal and push on a wall in a push-up motion.
What would cause scapular winging?
Most lesions associated with winged scapula are the result of blunt trauma due to repetitive movements, as seen in athletics. The most common cause of scapular winging is paralysis of the serratus anterior muscle due to the injury of the long thoracic nerve.
What happens if winged scapula goes untreated?
It is possible for some patients suffering from scapular winging to recover most or all functionality of the shoulder joint [3]. However, if left untreated, several consequences can ensue including adhesive capsulitis, subacromial impingement, and brachial plexus radiculitis [5-6].
How is scapular Dyskinesis diagnosed?
Symptoms of Scapular Dyskinesis
Pain or tenderness around your shoulder blade, especially when you raise your arms overhead or lift something heavy.
Feeling a snap or pop that occurs with shoulder movement.
Losing strength in your affected arm and shoulder.
Is winged scapula a disability?
A winged scapula caused by trauma is uncommon. Irrespective of the cause of winging of the scapula, the condition is disabling and can affect the function of the ipsilateral shoulder and arm. Also, winging of the scapula also leads to significant cosmetic deformity.
Can scapular Dyskinesis be fixed?
The mainstay of treatment for the scapular dyskinesis is physical therapy to relieve the symptoms associated with inflexibility or trigger points and to re-establish muscle strength and activation patterns.
What does winged scapula feel like?
However, winged scapula due to muscular cause are not painful; some may experience moderate pain. Pain can be the result of the strain and spasm of overcompensating periscapular muscles which could be dull-aching and heaviness feeling. Difficulty with elevating the arm above the head and lifting object.
What causes differential diagnosis of scapular winging ( SW )?
Scapular winging (SW) is caused by weakness of trapezius, rhomboids, and serratus anterior muscles. The different patterns of scapular movement among these causes assist in the differential diagnosis and are illustrated in the 3 described cases (table e-1 on the Neurology ® Web site at www.neurology.org ).
Where can I find scapular winging anatomical review?
Scapular winging: anatomical review, diagnosis, and treatments NCBI Skip to main content Skip to navigation Resources How To About NCBI Accesskeys My NCBISign in to NCBISign Out PMC US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health
Why do I have a winged scapula on my Shoulder?
Winged scapula is caused by paralysis of the serratus anterior or trapezius muscles due to damage to the long thoracic or accessory nerves, resulting in loss of strength and range of motion of the shoulder. Because this nerve damage can happen in a variety of ways, initial diagnosis may be overlooked.
What kind of nerve damage causes scapular winging?
Scapular winging is almost always caused by damage to one of three nerves that control muscles in your arms, back, and neck: the long thoracic nerve, which controls the serratus anterior muscle the dorsal scapular nerve, which controls the rhomboid muscles the spinal accessory nerve, which controls the trapezius muscle