Winging of the Scapula

Authors

Sharon B. Park
Luke J. Weishuhn, Corewell Health East Resident
Muhammad Taqi

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-2-2025

Publication Title

StatPearls

Abstract

Scapular winging is a potentially debilitating condition that can affect the ability to lift, push, and pull objects and perform activities of daily living. Scapular winging causes limited flexion and abduction of the involved upper extremity and can be painful. See Image. Winging of the Scapula. Patients with this condition may become distressed from the cosmesis of pronounced winging. Most cases are secondary to neurologic lesions involving the serratus anterior and trapezius muscles. Scapular winging may be caused less frequently by neurologic lesions involving the rhomboid muscles. These muscles contribute to maintaining the scapula protracted against the posterior thoracic wall. Neurologic insult to any of these muscles results in winging of the scapula as it lifts off the thoracic wall. Scapular winging can be secondary to a sports-related, traumatic, iatrogenic, or spontaneous injury.

Recommended Citation

Park SB, Weishuhn LJ, Taqi M. Winging of the Scapula. 2025 Jun 2. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–. PMID: 31082049.

Comments

Bookshelf ID: NBK541005

PubMed ID

31082049