{"id":"08232b19-6ce5-4cc1-b628-35dce46770b4","slug":"surgical-management-of-winged-scapula-shoulder-disability-in-adults-who-failed-conservative-treatments","title":"Surgical management of winged scapula/shoulder disability in adults who failed conservative treatments","authors":["Rahul K. Nath","Chandra Somasundaram"],"abstract":"Background: Scapular winging, muscle weakness, chronic discomfort, and overall impairment of shoulder function are commonly caused by injuries to and/or compression of the upper brachial plexus, long thoracic, and accessory nerves. These injuries can have significant social and financial impacts on patients. Methods: Twenty-one adults who sustained shoulder injuries (a bilateral injury in two patients and a total of 23 shoulder surgeries) presented with winged scapulas, limited shoulder range of motion, and severe shoulder pain. Results: Patients underwent unilateral decompression, neurolysis of the upper brachial plexus/long thoracic nerve (LTN), and partial resection of the scalene muscle. The mean shoulder abduction/flexion improved significantly, and 15 of 21 (71%) patients regained full range of motion (180°) postoperatively. In addition, the winged scapula appearance improved significantly in 20 of 21 patients (96%) postoperatively. Conclusion: All except one of 21 patients with scapular winging, muscle weakness, chronic discomfort, and overall impairment of shoulder function improved following unilateral decompression, neurolysis of the upper brachial plexus/LTN, and partial resection of the scalene muscle.","thumbnailUrl":"https://sni-digital-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/08232b19-6ce5-4cc1-b628-35dce46770b4/featured/hero-1781562114511.png","publishDate":"2021-08-16T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.25259/SNI_639_2021","categories":["General Neurosurgery","Original Article"],"fullTextUrl":"https://surgicalneurologyint.com/api/articles/08232b19-6ce5-4cc1-b628-35dce46770b4/pdf"}