Scapula winging
what is the scapula and where is it?
The scapula, or shoulder blade, is the largest bone of the shoulder and has a complex set of muscles attached to it. When functioning properly, the scapula and surrounding muscles stabilize the arm and allow it to move freely.
What is it?
A separated shoulder occurs when the ligaments between the collarbone (clavicle) and part of the shoulder blade (acromion) are torn. The tear loosens the joint connection between the collarbone and shoulder blade, causing them to separate or move apart from one other. A separated shoulder does not actually involve damage to the main ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder.
what?
Biceps tendinitis is an inflammation or irritation of the upper biceps tendon. Also called the long head of the biceps tendon, this strong, cord-like structure connects the biceps muscle to the bone in the shoulder socket.
what is scapula winging?
A winged scapula occurs when these muscles weaken and fail to hold the scapula close against the back of the rib cage. This condition results in the scapula sticking outwards and upwards, causing the shoulder blade to resemble a wing.
Winged scapula symptoms can be painful and debilitating
cause and symptoms?
Most shoulder separations are caused by falling directly onto the shoulder with enough force to tear ligaments. Besides falls, car accidents and sports injuries are frequent causes.
What are the symptoms?
Cause
Damage to the biceps tendon due to a lifetime of normal activities. Everyday wear and tear cause tendons to slowly weaken and worsen
Overuse/repetitive overhead motions
Sports — particularly those that require repetitive overhead motion, such as swimming, tennis, and baseball
what is the cause?
A winged scapula is caused by a weak muscle that is supposed to stabilize your shoulder blade. Usually, a direct injury of the muscle or the nerves around the shoulder blade can bring it on. While blunt trauma is the most common cause of winged scapula, it may also be caused by repetitive shoulder motion.
Since this condition affects the nerves, there are some non-traumatic injuries that can cause winged scapula. These include, but are not limited to:
Viral illnesses
Allergic reactions
Toxin exposure
Pre-existing medical conditions
Treatment
Recovery within two to 12 weeks without surgery. Non-surgical treatments include the following:
Surgery may be required in more serious cases
Symptoms
what are the Symptoms?
Winged scapula symptoms usually begin with overarching pain in the shoulder that is difficult to identify. Depending on the type of nerves or muscles involved, a winged scapula may be asymptomatic.
Some common symptoms of a winged scapula are:
Pain
Weakness and fatigue
Deformity of the shoulder
Muscle spasms
Instability of the shoulder
Limited range of motion
prevent?
While there is no sure way to prevent a separated shoulder, it is helpful to be aware of the factors that increase the chances of shoulder injuries:
Treatment
Nonsurgical Treatment
R.I.C.E
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) EX: Ibuprofen or aspirin
Steroid injections
PT
Surgical Treatment
What is the treatment?
Non-Surgical Treatment
There are many non-surgical options such as:
Physical therapy
Anti-inflammatories to help manage pain
Immobilization with a brace or sling
RICE therapy
Surgical Treatment: The surgery involves taking nerve or muscle tissue and grafting it to a different part of the body. They may also recommend static stabilization, where the scapula is attached to the ribs or vertebrae.