Winged scapula

The protrusion of shoulder blade (scapula) from the back while moving the shoulder joint is called scapular winging or winged scapula. This occurs due to imbalance of the muscles which control scapular movements, and could be secondary to damage to the nerves supplying the muscles.  It may also be the result of an injury or instability. You may have pain and difficulty with shoulder movements. You will be investigated with imaging and nerve tests. You will be prescribed exercises by our expert physiotherapist to improve the muscle balance. Should the symptoms persist, you may be offered surgery which would involve transferring one muscle to perform the function of weak muscle (tendon transfer). In patients with Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy, there is weakness of most of the muscles of the shoulder blade. You may need surgical stabilization of shoulder blade which is achieved by fusing it with the ribs (scapulothoracic fusion).

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