Scapulothoracic fusion

The shoulder blade is fused to the ribs to treat painful scapular winging such as Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy, paralysis of the nerve controlling scapular movement, or loss of collar bone due to injury.  In this procedure the shoulder blade is approached through an incision on the back, and is fused to four ribs using metal implants and grafts taken from the pelvic bone.

Language