Scapular winging anatomical review diagnosis an

Authors: Ryan M Martin David E Fish

Publish Date: 2007/11/02

Volume: 1, Issue: 1, Pages: 1-11

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Abstract

Scapular winging is a rare debilitating condition that leads to limited functional activity of the upper extremity It is the result of numerous causes including traumatic iatrogenic and idiopathic processes that most often result in nerve injury and paralysis of either the serratus anterior trapezius or rhomboid muscles Diagnosis is easily made upon visible inspection of the scapula with serratus anterior paralysis resulting in medial winging of the scapula This is in contrast to the lateral winging generated by trapezius and rhomboid paralysis Most cases of serratus anterior paralysis spontaneously resolve within 24 months while conservative treatment of trapezius paralysis is less effective A conservative course of treatment is usually followed for rhomboid paralysis To allow time for spontaneous recovery a 6–24 month course of conservative treatment is often recommended after which if there is no recovery patients become candidates for corrective surgery

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