Scapula alata: Diagnosis and treatment by nerve surgery and tendon transfers

Abstract

Scapula alata, also known as winged scapula, can lead to severe upper limb impairment. The shoulders’ function is altered because the scapula, which supports the upper limb, is no longer stable. Typical scapula alata is described for serratus anterior palsy; however, any scapulothoracic muscle impairment may lead to scapular winging, particularly trapezius palsy, which is easy to miss, thus needed to be considered as a differential diagnosis. The diagnosis is difficult and based on various clinical tests and a thorough examination as well as electroneuromyography and MRI. The treatment ranges from conservative treatments for spontaneous recovery, nerve surgery including neurolysis, nerve transfers and nerve grafts for acute cases, to tendon transfers for more chronic cases and when nerve procedures are no longer feasible. Tendon transfers in serratus anterior palsy produce excellent results with a high rate of patient satisfaction and are described with the sternal or clavicular head of the pectoralis major; we describe our preferred technique in this article. Tendon transfers in trapezius palsy are performed with the levator scapulae, rhomboid minor and major muscles. Our preferred method is the Elhassan triple transfer. Scapula alata is a frequent and often misdiagnosed condition. Appropriate management can yield excellent results. Patients should be referred right away to specialized centers for surgery if recovery is not spontaneous.