Summary about Disease
Winged scapula, also known as scapular winging, is a condition where the shoulder blade (scapula) protrudes from the back, giving it a wing-like appearance. This occurs due to weakness or paralysis of the muscles that control the scapula, particularly the serratus anterior, trapezius, and rhomboid muscles. This impacts the normal movement and stability of the shoulder joint.
Symptoms
Protrusion of the scapula (shoulder blade) from the back.
Pain in the shoulder, neck, or back.
Limited range of motion in the affected arm.
Weakness in the affected arm, particularly when lifting or pushing.
Difficulty lifting the arm above the head.
Fatigue in the shoulder and surrounding muscles.
Visual deformity of the back.
Causes
Nerve damage: Damage to the long thoracic nerve (which innervates the serratus anterior), spinal accessory nerve (which innervates the trapezius), or dorsal scapular nerve (which innervates the rhomboids).
Muscle weakness: Weakness of the serratus anterior, trapezius, or rhomboid muscles due to disuse or underlying muscular conditions.
Trauma: Injury to the shoulder, neck, or back.
Viral illnesses: In rare cases, viral infections can affect the nerves controlling the scapular muscles.
Surgical complications: Surgery in the chest or neck area can potentially damage the nerves.
Idiopathic: In some cases, the cause is unknown.
Medicine Used
There is no specific medicine used to treat winged scapula. Treatment typically focuses on addressing the underlying cause and managing the symptoms. Medications that may be used include:
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers to manage pain.
Muscle relaxants: To reduce muscle spasms.
Nerve pain medication: If nerve damage is involved, medications like gabapentin or pregabalin may be prescribed.
Corticosteroid injections: In some cases, injections may be used to reduce inflammation around the affected nerves.
Is Communicable
Winged scapula is not a communicable disease. It is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Avoid activities that aggravate the condition: Modify activities that cause pain or exacerbate the winging.
Proper posture: Maintain good posture to support the shoulder and back muscles.
Ergonomics: Use proper ergonomics at work and during daily activities to reduce strain on the shoulder.
Strengthening exercises: Perform exercises recommended by a physical therapist to strengthen the muscles around the scapula.
Avoid heavy lifting: Limit heavy lifting or pushing activities.
How long does an outbreak last?
Winged scapula is not an outbreak-related disease. The duration of the condition varies depending on the underlying cause and the effectiveness of treatment. Recovery can take weeks to months, and in some cases, it may be a chronic condition.
How is it diagnosed?
Physical Examination: A doctor will assess the scapula's position, range of motion, and muscle strength. They will observe for winging during specific movements.
Medical History: The doctor will inquire about any injuries, surgeries, or illnesses that may have contributed to the condition.
Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) and Electromyography (EMG): These tests can help determine if there is nerve damage and identify which nerves are affected.
Imaging Studies: X-rays, MRI, or CT scans may be used to rule out other conditions or identify structural abnormalities.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms varies depending on the cause.
Sudden onset: Can occur after a trauma or injury.
Gradual onset: Can develop slowly over time due to repetitive motions, poor posture or nerve damage.
Progression: Symptoms can worsen over time if left untreated, leading to increased pain and functional limitations.
Fluctuations: Symptoms can fluctuate in severity depending on activity level and other factors.
Important Considerations
Early diagnosis and treatment are important to improve outcomes.
Physical therapy is a crucial component of treatment.
Surgery may be necessary in severe cases or when conservative treatments are not effective.
Underlying medical conditions should be addressed.
Patient education is essential for self-management and preventing recurrence.