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Neurologic-Based Injuries and Scapula Winging

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Disorders of the Scapula and Their Role in Shoulder Injury

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Abstract

The scapula serves as a foundation for upper extremity function and strength. Like a crane on a construction site, the scapula must be secured to its foundation in order for the arm to lift and move heavy objects. If the cab of the crane does not have the footings secure, it will tip. If the scapula is not secured to the chest wall, it too will tip. Of the 17 muscles that have their origin or insertion on the scapula, those that serve like feet on a crane and secure the scapula to the torso include the pectoralis minor, omohyoid, levator scapulae, serratus anterior, trapezius, and rhomboideus major and minor (Table 12.1).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 4200 MCE South Tower, 1215 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA

    John E. Kuhn MD

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  1. John E. Kuhn MD
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Correspondence to John E. Kuhn MD .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Lexington Clinic Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Center, Lexington, Kentucky, USA

    W. Ben Kibler

  2. Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, Kentucky, USA

    Aaron D. Sciascia

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Kuhn, J.E. (2017). Neurologic-Based Injuries and Scapula Winging. In: Kibler, W., Sciascia, A. (eds) Disorders of the Scapula and Their Role in Shoulder Injury. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-53584-5_12

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-53584-5_12

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