Scapular Dyskinesis: From Basic Science to Ultimate Treatment

Abstract

Background: This study intends to summarize the causes, clinical examination, and treatments of scapular dyskinesis (SD) and to briefly investigate whether alteration can be managed by a precision rehabilitation protocol planned on the basis of features derived from clinical tests. Methods: We performed a comprehensive search of PubMed, Cochrane, CINAHL and EMBASE databases using various combinations of the keywords “Rotator cuff”, “Scapula”, “Scapular Dyskinesis”, “Shoulder”, “Biomechanics” and “Arthroscopy”. Results: SD incidence is growing in patients with shoulder pathologies, even if it is not a specific injury or directly related to a particular injury. SD can be caused by multiple factors or can be the trigger of shoulder-degenerative pathologies. In both cases, SD results in a protracted scapula with the arm at rest or in motion. Conclusions: A clinical evaluation of altered shoulder kinematics is still complicated. Limitations in observing scapular motion are mainly related to the anatomical position and function of the scapula itself and the absence of a tool for quantitative SD clinical assessment. High-quality clinical trials are needed to establish whether there is a possible correlation between SD patterns and the specific findings of shoulder pathologies with altered scapular kinematics.

Rehabilitation Exercises for Dysfunction of the Scapula: Exploration of Muscle Activity Using Fine-Wire EMG

“…23,30,31,34 The scapula plays different crucial roles, such as creating a stable base for the glenohumeral joint, performing rotational and translational movements along the thoracic wall, avoiding subacromial conflicts by elevating the acromion, providing a site for muscle attachment for glenohumeral as well as scapulothoracic muscles, and creating a link in the kinetic chain between the trunk and upper extremities. 22,[24][25][26] Therefore, scapular training is an inherent part of a shoulder rehabilitation program.…”

The role of scapular dyskinesis on rotator cuff tears: a narrative review of the current knowledge

“…The aetiology of SD can be neurological, such as cervical radiculopathy, long thoracic palsy, which can lead to serratus anterior weakness, or spinal accessory nerve palsy, which impairs trapezius muscle function. 7 , 8 There are also musculoskeletal aetiologies, such as tightness of the pectoralis minor and biceps short head, posterior shoulder inflexibility, periscapular muscle lesions, muscular activation alterations and strength imbalances, clavicle fracture, and acromioclavicular and glenohumeral joint instability. Posture abnormalities, such as thoracic kyphosis, can also be related to SD.…”

“… 10 Clinical examination is preferred to static imaging techniques to diagnose SD, due to its important dynamic component. 8 In the presence of suggestive symptoms, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scans can help find an aetiological diagnosis of SD. 8 …”

“… 8 In the presence of suggestive symptoms, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scans can help find an aetiological diagnosis of SD. 8 …”

Erratum: Longo, U.G., et al. Scapular Dyskinesis: From Basic Science to Ultimate Treatment. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17(8), 2974

“…The authors would like to correct the names and surnames of the following authors of their previous paper [1], Umile Giuseppe Longo and Laura Risi Ambrogioni.…”