The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Vol 61, Issue 8 1230-1233, Copyright © 1979 by Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Inc
Traumatic winging of the scapula
ER Gozna and WR Harris
Fourteen patients with traumatic winging of the scapula were reviewed, all
of whom had had injuries producing sudden depression of the shoulder girdle
from either a direct blow to the top of the shoulder or downward traction
on the arm. The diagnosis was commonly missed for a considerable interval.
Seven patients recovered spontaneously within six months of injury. Three
of the other seven patients were treated by reattachment of the insertion
of the sternal portion of the pectoralis major muscle via a fascia lata
graft to the lower pole of the scapula. In one of these patients a
reoperation was needed, but all three ultimately recovered satisfactory
function of the shoulder. Anatomical studies suggested that the injury
results from compression of the long thoracic nerve against the second rib
and not from entrapment of the nerve by the scalenus medius muscle.
CiteULike 
Connotea 
Del.icio.us 
Technorati What's this?
