title: Winged scapula caused by rhomboid paralysis: a case report.
abstract: Scapular winging secondary to dorsal scapular nerve (DSN) damage is an underestimated condition. It is often caused by entrapment of the nerve due to a hypertrophic middle scalene muscle, or by stretching of the DSN during traumatic movements. The condition has also been attributed to myofascial pain syndrome of the rhomboids with entrapment of the DSN. The non-specific symptomatology reported by patients is often incorrectly diagnosed, and this can result in a high level of disability of the upper limb. A clinical case of misdiagnosed dorsal scapula entrapment is presented. Satisfactory shoulder function recovery, pain relief and reduction of disability were obtained after correct diagnosis of the condition and a comprehensive rehabilitation approach.
authors.affiliation: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna Italy.
authors.forename: Maria Grazia
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Benedetti
authors.affiliation: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna Italy.
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zati
authors.affiliation: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna Italy.
authors.forename: Silvia Bonfiglioli
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Stagni
authors.affiliation: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna Italy.
authors.forename: Isabella
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Fusaro
authors.affiliation: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna Italy.
authors.forename: Roberta
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Monesi
authors.affiliation: Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Unit, Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rotini
keywords: rehabilitation; scapular dorsal nerve paralysis; winged scapula