Winged Scapula
A winged scapula is a symptom of another condition, rather than an injury itself. It is where the shoulder blade protrudes out on the back, rather than laying flat against the back of the chest wall.
Symptoms of Winged Scapula
- Protusion of the scapular ( shoulder blade).
- Patients can complain of pressure on the scapular from a chair when sitting.
- If caused by an injury resulting in nerve damage, the patient may complain of pain and limited shoulder elevation.
What causes Winged Scapula?
A winged scapula is a symptom of another condition, rather than an injury itself. It is where the shoulder blade protrudes out on the back, rather than laying flat against the back of the chest wall. It is quite a common dysfunction of the shoulder as it is also associated with poor posture. It is known as winged scapula as the medial (inner) border of the scapula can appear to be wing-like on the back.
A winged scapula is associated with damage or a contusion to the long thoracic nerve of the shoulder and / or weakness in the Serratus Anterior muscle. If the long thoracic nerve is damaged or bruised it can cause paralysis of the serratus anterior muscle and winging of the scapular or shoulder blade. Damage to the nerve can be caused by a contusion or blunt trauma of the shoulder, traction of the neck and can also sometimes follow a viral illness.
Treatment of Winged Scapula
What can the athlete do?
- A full rehabilitation programme to strengthen the shoulder and in particular the serratus anterior muscle.
- Seek professional advice, particularly if the shoulder does not respond to strengthening exercises.
- Initial treatment is usually conservative but occasionally surgery may be performed if this fails and the condition is caused by nerve entrapment.
