Winged Scapula

What is a winged scapula? A winged scapula is a shoulder injury or condition in which the scapula or shoulder blade sticks out at the back, particular when pushing against something such as a wall. What are the symptoms? Winging of the scapular or shoulder blade. Pain and limited shoulder elevation. Difficulty in lifting weights. Patients can complain of pressure on the scapular from a chair when sitting. What causes a winged scapula? 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 vial illness. 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.   The information contained on this site is purely a source of information and can at no time replace the expert eye of a qualified professional. We recommend seeking professional advice before embarking on any form of self treatment. Neither the content or nor any other service provided through mybesttennis.com is intended to be relied on for medical diagnosis or treatment. Never delay in seeking professional advice because of something seen on mybesttennis.com.