Eshealthtips.com – Winging scapula is a condition that is caused by a muscle that is stretched or strained in the area between the shoulder blade and the scapula. There are several different causes, symptoms, and treatment options for this condition. Ultimately, this condition can lead to an increase in pain and discomfort. While there are several ways to treat it, it can be a debilitating and painful condition for some people.
Debilitating Conditions can cause Functional Impairment and Pain
Scapular winging is a debilitating condition that can lead to functional impairment and pain. This deformity of the shoulder blade is often a result of injury to the scapula or dorsal scapular nerve. It is important to seek treatment when winging appears. Early treatment is crucial to a full recovery. When winging occurs, the shoulder blade appears to be detached from the rib cage. The scapula winging may be subtle, so it is important to have a medical professional examine it. A doctor can diagnose scapular winging by looking at the scapula’s shape and its movements. He will also perform a physical examination.
Doctors will also ask about any recent illnesses or injuries, and may inquire about surgeries. In addition, electromyography or nerve conduction studies are performed to identify the underlying cause of the winging.
Neuromuscular ultrasound is another tool used by doctors to diagnose the cause of the winging. The procedure uses high frequency sound waves to generate imaging of the scapula and surrounding muscles. Winging scapula, also known as scapular dysskinesis, is a clinical condition that is characterized by excessive medializing scapular retraction. Scapular winging is usually a benign condition, but it can be painful. It may limit shoulder elevation and functional activities in the upper extremity.
Injury to this Nerve Can Cause Various Disorders
There are a number of causes of winging scapula, which are largely related to the long thoracic nerve. Injury to this nerve can result in a variety of disorders. The long thoracic nerve is located on the upper back and is innervated by the Serratus Anterior muscle. This muscle anchors the scapula to the rib cage and helps with protraction and rotation. It is especially vulnerable to injury during surgery.
Symptoms of winged scapula include pain, weakness during lifting, fatigue, and a cosmetic deformity. If the symptoms do not clear after a year of conservative treatment, surgery might be an option. However, this procedure can cause complications and recurrence of winging. Scapular winging is a condition that affects the stabilizing muscles of the scapula. In most cases, the disorder is caused by penetrating trauma to the shoulder. However, it may also be caused by a neurological lesion. Winging usually resolves with time. If a lesion is present, operative treatment might be necessary.
Winging scapula treatment can range from conservative methods to surgical treatment. Non-surgical measures include immobilization and physical therapy. Pain control is also recommended. Surgical treatment options include scapulothoracic arthrodesis, scapulopexy without arthrodesis, and scapulothoracic fusion. Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms. Generally, conservative therapy is recommended for up to 24 months. It includes pain control, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. Although winging scapula may not completely heal after 24 months, a patient’s symptoms can improve with time.
The Cause of Scapular Winging is an Identifiable Neuromuscular Disorder
When the cause of scapular winging is an identifiable neuromuscular disorder, nerve surgery may be a treatment option. Dr Nath is a neurologist and a specialist in neuromuscular disorders. His research team has studied the benefits of muscle and tendon transfer operations. They found nerve surgeries to be the most effective. If you have a winged scapula, there are a number of surgical treatments available. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are a few tips to help you decide which is best for you.
Surgical treatment options have progressively improved over time. These include wire fixation, muscle and tendon transfer operations, and nerve surgery. However, each procedure has its own common complications. Wire fixation is a minimally invasive technique that involves inserting metal wires through holes in the medial border of the scapula. The metal wires are then twisted and tightened to create contact between the scapula and the ribs.
This type of scapulothoracic arthrodesis is an effective method for resolving functional loss caused by scapular winging. It is also useful for generalized weakness and shoulder fatigue. During recovery, patients should avoid overhead use of the affected extremity. Scapulothoracic fusion is another surgical option for treating scapular winging. This method involves fusing the scapula to the rib cage. Fusing the scapula to the bone can have its own risks and complications. Some of these include permanent bone fractures and lung problems.
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