Scapula and Winged Scapula: Anatomy, Function, Injuries, and Defects
Anatomy of the Scapula
The scapula is a triangular flat bone, which is also known as the shoulder blade. It lies in the upper back between the second and eighth rib. It connects the upper limb to the trunk and articulates with the humerus or upper arm bone. The articulation takes place at the glenohumeral joint. It also articulates with the clavicle at the acromioclavicular joint. The scapula provides many attachment sites for the muscles.
The scapula, due to its flat nature, has three surfaces, three angles (upper, bottom, and lateral), and three borders (superior, lateral, and medial).
Surfaces of the Scapula
1) Costal surface
The anterior surface of the scapula faces the ribcage, hence, the term "costal". The side of the scapula has a concave depression called the subscapular fossa, which the subscapularis muscle originates from. Coracoid process originates from the superolateral surface. It is a hook-like projection where pectoralis minor is attached, and where the coracobrachialis and biceps brachii originate.
2) Lateral surface
This surface faces the humerus. The bony landmarks are:
- Glenoid fossa - It forms the glenohumeral joint by articulating with the humerus. The superior part of the lateral border articulates with the humerus to form the shoulder joint.
- Infraglenoid tubercle - Inferior to the glenoid fossa where the long head of the triceps brachii is attached.
- Supraglenoid tubercle - Superior to the glenoid fossa where the long head of the biceps brachii originates.
3) Posterior surface
This surface faces outwards. The bony landmarks are:
- Spine - The posterior scapula runs transversely dividing the surface into two.
- Infraspinous fossa - Below the spine of scapula, where the infraspinatus muscle originates.
- Supraspinous fossa - Above the spine of scapula, where the supraspinatus muscle originates.
- Acromion - The spine projection that articulates with the clavicle to form the acromioclavicular joint.
Function of the Scapula
Faulty foundation causes problems for the rest of the related areas, whereas a solid foundation provides a strong support and is an important feature of the structure. In the same way, the shoulder blade or scapula provides a proper foundation for the shoulder joint and overall shoulder health.
The scapula attaches the upper arm and upper back muscles, which helps raise the arms and shoulders, as well as bend the neck backward or sideways. Such connection also stabilizes the arm. The scapula, clavicle, and humerus are interconnected through a series of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Altogether, they make up the shoulder.
The scapula has grooves and bony processes, which provide attachment points for muscles that provide support and coordinated movements of the shoulder girdle. The muscles that help in the movement of the shoulder are attached to the scapula. The scapula is more like a sculpted shield.
Below are the movements of the scapula and the names of muscles that provide movements:
- Elevation of the scapula - this movement is caused by the trapezius (upper fibers) and levator scapulae muscles.
- Depression of the scapula - this movement is produced by the serratus anterior (lower fibers) and pectoralis minor muscles.
Both elevation and depression of the scapula are social signals. The elevation of the scapula allows shrugging of shoulders and depression occurs while relaxing the shoulders or when using crutches.
- Protraction of the scapula - the movement is produced by the serratus anterior, pectoralis major, and latissimus dorsi muscles.
- Retraction of the scapula - produced by the trapezius (middle/lower fibers) and rhomboid muscles.
Forward and backward protraction and retraction help slide the scapula around the rib cage. It increases the range of movements of the glenohumeral joint. Protraction and retraction are produced during certain movements such as punching, pushing, or when bracing the shoulders back.
- Forward rotation of the scapula - this movement is produced by the trapezius (upper fibers) and serratus anterior (lower fibers) muscles.
- Backward rotation of the scapula - this movement is produced by graded relaxation of the trapezius (upper fibers) and serratus anterior, levator scapulae, rhomboid, pectoralis minor, and trapezius (lower fibers) muscles.
Forward rotation helps turn the glenoid cavity upward. This allows raising the arm above the head. Backward rotation is a return to the original position. It gradually relaxes the forward rotator muscles, but this movement is produced actively.
Injuries and Defects
1) Scapular fracture
The scapula is protected by a complex system of surrounding muscles. Hence, extreme force is needed to fracture it. Scapular fracture is most frequently observed in young men. Less than 1 percent of broken bones belong to this case. Many cases of scapular fractures can be treated without any surgery.
The parts of the scapula that might get fractured are:
- Scapular body
- Scapular neck
- Glenoid fossa
- Acromion
- Coracoid process
Fractures may be vertical, horizontal, or comminuted.
Three Categories of Scapular Fractures
Type I fracture
Type I fracture is difficult to examine because of the thick muscle and pain. This type of fracture can be confirmed on an X-ray. An adducted shoulder and the mechanism of injury should indicate the possible fracture, which is confirmed by imaging tests. It can be managed conservatively and by using a sling on the injured site.
Type II fracture
Type II fracture is a fracture of the acromion and coracoid process due to direct trauma. In acromial fractures, the patient experiences pain while flexing the elbow. In a coracoid fracture, the person flexes the elbow as a pain relief. Both can be managed conservatively.
Type III fracture
Type III fracture is a fracture of the scapular neck or glenoid fossa. The patient experiences pain around the humeral head because fracture happens due to the lateral to medial rotation of the humeral head. Treatment involves immobilization of the arm using a sling on the injured site.
Causes
A scapular fracture can be due to injuries caused by a high-energy blunt trauma of motorcycle or motor vehicle collision, crushing injuries, or fall from a significant height.
Symptoms
- Extreme pain experienced when moving the arm
- Tenderness and swelling around the back of the shoulder
- Scrapes near the affected area
- Crepitus
Examination of Scapular Fractures
1) Physical examination
The doctor evaluates the position and posture of the shoulder to determine the appropriate treatment. The doctor may treat any soft-tissue damage. In cases of severe injuries, a detailed physical examination may not be possible.
2) Tests
Doctors may suggest imaging tests such as X-ray of the shoulder and chest to help determine the severity of the scapular injury. A CT scan may also be suggested to provide a more detailed image.
Treatment
Nonsurgical treatment
A simple sling works for most types of fractures. The sling keeps the shoulder in place while the bone heals. It is removed as pain improves. The doctor may want the patient to try moving the shoulder within the first week of the injury. The reason is to minimize the stiffness of the shoulder and elbow. Until the entire shoulder is healed, passive exercises should be continued, which may take six months to one year.
Surgical treatment
The following scapular fractures may need surgery:
- Fracture of the glenoid articular surface - In this case, the bone is displaced.
- Fracture of the scapular neck - Surgery may be needed if the fracture happens with a lot of angulations.
- Fracture of the acromion process - This is also known as impingement syndrome. In this case, it causes the humerus (upper arm bone) to hit against it.
2) Scapula disorders
Scapula disorders alter the normal resting position and the normal motion of the scapula. These alterations are termed as scapular dyskinesis. Usually, these alterations are clearly visible. The medial border of the shoulder is affected and it appears more prominent than the other.
Causes
- Detachment or tightness of the muscles attached to the scapula
- Weakness or imbalance
- Nerves of the muscles might be injured
- Injured shoulder joint
- Bones that support the scapula may be injured
Symptoms
- Fatigue with repetitive activities
- Pain and tenderness around the scapula
- Arm weakness in the affected area
- A crunching or snapping sound as the shoulder moves
- Noticeable protrusion
- Limited motion
- Feeling tired with vigorous motion
- Affected area shows a drooped or forward tilted posture
Examination
1) Physical examination
The doctor may ask about one's medical history, general health, and symptoms. The doctor will also look for any injuries, weakness, or tightness near the shoulder and scapula. It can be done by the following ways:
- Visual observation - The doctor compares the scapula to see if there is dyskinesis. The doctor may also ask the patient to move his or her arms up and down around 3-5 times. This may reveal the dyskinetic patterns.
- Manual muscle testing - Strength testing is performed to see if muscle weakness is a contributing factor.
- Corrective maneuvers - Involve specific tests such as:
Scapular assistance test (SAT) - As the patient elevates his or her arm, the doctor applies slight pressure to the scapula and move it upward. If the patients find that the symptoms are healing and there is an increase in the arc of motion, then it is a sign that the muscles are weak.
Scapular retraction test (SRT) - In this test, the doctor would push the extended arm down. This would be done by manually placing the scapula in a retracted position to ascertain the strength again.
2) Imaging
Doctors would also suggest for an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan if they suspect any abnormalities of the scapula or an injury to another part of the shoulder.
Treatment
Nonsurgical treatment
1) Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen can help relieve swelling and pain.
2) Physical therapy - Physical therapists would provide certain exercise programs, which will completely focus on strengthening the muscles that stabilize the scapula. Such exercises would also enhance the stretching of tight muscles and limit the motion of the scapula.
Surgery
Surgery is done in rare cases. If dyskinesis is due to a shoulder joint injury, then the doctor would recommend for surgery, which would then be followed by rehabilitation to restore the motion of the scapula.
Home Remedies
Maintaining good posture
Maintain a good posture at all times. Moreover, try to sit and stand properly. The shoulder blades should be pulled back together tightly and the elbows should be bent down and back.
Maintain physical activity
If you are following a regular exercise pattern, then make sure to work on upper body strength and keep your shoulders balanced at all times.
Heat therapy
Using a heating pad or soaking in a hot bath can help relieve discomforts.
3) Winged scapula
Normally, the contraction and relaxation of the different muscles maintain the normal position of the scapula. In a winged scapula, it is observed that when one group of muscles is paralyzed and other muscles contract, the normal muscles tend to pull the scapula away from the chest wall. The shoulder blade in this condition protrudes outside instead of being flat against the back. This happens due to weak shoulder blade stabilizers, mostly serratus anterior, which is also known as the "punching muscle".
Causes
Since the condition is linked to poor posture, it is often regarded as a common dysfunction. The medial border of the scapula seems to be appearing as wing-like on the back. Damage or contusion of the shoulder's long thoracic nerve can be due to blunt trauma. It can lead to damage, weakness, or even paralysis of the anterior muscles in serious conditions, leading to winging of the shoulder blades.
Symptoms
- A clear protrusion of the shoulder blade in an outward direction.
- Mild or severe pain by putting pressure on the scapula.
- Pain when moving with upper arm support.
Diagnosis
1) Physical examination
A physical examination and review are usually done by a specialist doctor. The examination would reveal the angle of scapular winging with the motion of the shoulder. If the brachial plexus is involved, then the patient would show some weakness in the biceps and deltoid muscles.
2) Imaging tests
An X-ray can rule out other associated conditions such as fractures or cancer.
To evaluate the cause of nerve injury leading to scapula winging, a CT scan and MRI of the cervical and thoracic spine can be performed. The doctor can also perform an electromyogram (EMG) testing to the affected nerves and muscles.
Treatment
Nonsurgical treatment
Treatments would include heat medications, ice treatment, or any physical therapy to strengthen the serratus anterior along with the trapezius and rhomboid muscles. There would be certain rehabilitation programs, which would consist of scapular exercises and many other exercises meant for the shoulder to strengthen the serratus anterior muscle.
A simple but effective scapula protraction exercise is by punching a boxing bag. It directly targets the serratus anterior muscle. If the body does not respond to exercises, then professional advice should be sought. Treatment is mostly conservative.
Surgical treatment
If the above fails, then surgery may be required. Surgery is done to reposition the nerve if it is entrapped in scar tissue or pinched. A tendon transfer can also be done. There are two common procedures:
- Pectoralis major tendon transfer - for long thoracic nerve palsy.
- Eden-Lange procedure - for trapezius palsy.
