Long thoracic neuropathy: Difference between revisions
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==Management== | ==Management== | ||
*Varies depending on the underlying etiology of neuropathy | *Varies depending on the underlying etiology of neuropathy | ||
**Neuropathy secondary to | **Neuropathy secondary to [[Parsonage-Turner syndrome]] improves over the course of one to three years | ||
**Overuse injuries should be managed by avoiding the precipitating movement(s) and avoid carrying significant weight over the shoulder | **Overuse injuries should be managed by avoiding the precipitating movement(s) and avoid carrying significant weight over the shoulder | ||
Revision as of 17:34, 7 October 2021
Background
- Motor nerve which originates from the C5/C6/C7 levels and innervates the serratus anterior
- Due to its long and relatively superficial course along the lateral aspect of the thorax it is more susceptible to injury
Clinical Features
- Deficits are related to the weakness of the serratus anterior and subsequent "winging" of the scapula"
Differential Diagnosis
- Parsonage-Turner syndrome
- Direct trauma or compression
- Overuse injuries
Evaluation
Workup
- To evaluate for winging have the patient press the affected arm against a wall; the inferior tip of the scapula should project from the thorax if positive
Diagnosis
Management
- Varies depending on the underlying etiology of neuropathy
- Neuropathy secondary to Parsonage-Turner syndrome improves over the course of one to three years
- Overuse injuries should be managed by avoiding the precipitating movement(s) and avoid carrying significant weight over the shoulder
Disposition
- Outpatient follow-up and physical therapy referral